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Israel arrests at least 7 Hamas political leaders

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-19 14:05

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Hamas officials say Israel has arrested at least seven of the Islamic militant group's prominent political leaders in a pre-dawn West Bank sweep.

A Palestinian girl from al-Samuni family plays on the rubble of her family house in the Zeitun neighbourhood of Gaza City as the sun sets. [Agencies]

Related readings:  Hamas demands role in Gaza reconstruction  Officials: Hamas seizes UN food aid in Gaza  Israel rules out Hamas contacts, threatens force  UN Chief calls on Israel, Hamas to forge lasting truce

The detentions come after the failure of recent efforts to win the release of an Israeli soldier that Hamas is holding in the Gaza Strip.

There has been no comment from the Israeli military on the arrests early Thursday, which were confirmed in part by relatives of the politicians.

The detainees include Nasser Shaher, a former Palestinian deputy prime minister, and several Hamas lawmakers.

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had hoped to secure the release of Sgt. Gilad Schalit, who was captured nearly three years ago. But prisoner exchange talks broke down this week with Israel and Hamas each saying the other was to blame.