A prominent leader of the Hamas Movement, Osama Mazini, denied any official contacts regarding the captured Israeli soldier. Mazini confirmed that there is no relation between the leaders in Damascus and this subject; "Damascus has nothing to do with the issue, the case is in the hands of the factions who are holding the soldier and mediation stopped Tuesday."
Mazini stressed that mediation in the case ended when the factions announced that the soldier’s case would be closed, last Tuesday. He also said that no agreement has been officially presented and denied news about a swap deal, saying that this is "only press talk and internet news."
Mazini said to the Ma’an news agency, "releasing the soldier with out a price is impossible."
