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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, center, attends the Muslim Friday prayers at a mosque in Gaza City. (AP)
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| By Associated Press July 2, 2006 |
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Saturday he was confident an agreement could be reached to end the crisis with Israel and free an Israeli soldier abducted by Palestinian militants.
"Regarding the soldier, we will surely reach an agreement. It is not a dead end. People want an acceptable solution," Abbas told reporters.
The militants holding Shalit have demanded that Israel release Palestinian women and minors held in Israeli jails in exchange for information about the soldier. On Saturday, they increased their demands to include the release of 1,000 more prisoners. Israel refused the demands, saying that to compromise would invite further abductions.
"Israel as a matter of principal does not accept reciprocity. Maybe there will be another formula that won't be turned back," Abbas said.
With Israeli soldiers already in southern Gaza and the Israeli army conducted regular airstrikes and artillery attacks, Abbas said he is worried that Israel will proceed with its threats for a more extensive offensive in Gaza.
"I am afraid that what is to come is going to be dangerous because we can't bear another serious aggression and another occupation. What is to come may be more difficult," he said. "What is important is to protect national unity. to protect our people and to avoid bringing danger and disaster to the nation."
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