JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel declared Wednesday that it will not open the Gaza Strip’s blockaded borders until Hamas militants free a captured Israeli soldier, dealing a blow to Egyptian efforts to broker a long-term cease-fire. The decision was condemned by Hamas, which is desperate for border crossings to be opened in order to start repairing destruction from Israel’s military offensive in the coastal territory last month. In parallel, the prime minister of the rival Palestinian government in the West Bank announced plans to stream reconstruction money directly to the people of Gaza.
Israel says no cease-fire until captured soldier comes home
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February 18, 2009