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Israel: No shipments to Gaza until Israeli soldier freed

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-16 14:56

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said border crossings with Gaza will not be fully opened until a captured Israeli soldier held since 2007 is freed.

Palestinians walk next to the rubble of a house destroyed in last month's Israeli military offensive, in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009. [Agencies]

Egypt is trying to mediate a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas militants after Israel's recent offensive in Gaza to stop Palestinian rocket fire. Egyptian officials and Hamas negotiators have said an agreement appears near.

However, a rocket was fired from Gaza late Sunday, exploding in southern Israel, the military said. No one was hurt. Israel's policy is to retaliate for every rocket attack.

In the truce talks, Hamas insists that border crossings must be opened as part of the deal. Israel and Egypt have imposed a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took over the territory in 2007 and have allowed in only humanitarian supplies.

Olmert said the soldier, Sgt. Gilad Schalit, is Israel's first priority.

The prime minister spoke Sunday to US Jewish leaders, saying, "Hamas must think twice if they think we will open borders before Gilad Schalit is returned home and healthy."

Olmert said Israel would pay a stiff price, freeing militants from Israeli prisons.

He said Israel would not create a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, continuing to allow in vital supplies.