Hamas: We'll harm Schalit if IDF enters Gaza

Saudi newspaper: Mashaal made agreement with Iranian partners to escalate attacks against Israel.

schalit in uniform 248.88 (photo credit: Courtesy of Gilad Schalit's family)
schalit in uniform 248.88
(photo credit: Courtesy of Gilad Schalit's family)
Hamas has threatened to harm kidnapped soldier Cpl. Gilad Schalit if the IDF carries out a large-scale operation in the Gaza Strip, Army Radio reported on Friday. Quoting Saudi newspaper Al-Jarida, the report cites Hamas's Syrian-based leader Khaled Mashaal, saying that he made an agreement with Iranian partners to increase violence against Israel which includes a threat to harm Schalit. The planned escalation would be implemented in an effort to prevent an incursion into the Strip and cause talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to fail. According to the report, escalation will include suicide bombings deep in Israeli territory as well as kidnappings of additional IDF troops. The Popular Resistance Committees also warned that it would increase violence against Israel. Spokesman Abu Mujahed told Nazareth-based newspaper A-Sinara that if Israel were to invade Gaza, the group will no longer aim its rockets exclusively at Sderot, but will begin firing at Ashkelon, as well as other cities.