'Marzouk denies getting Schalit tape'

In 'a-Sharq al-Awsat' interview, senior Hamas leader says he has "no information" on captured soldier.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Abu Marzouk 224 88 (photo credit: AP [file])
Abu Marzouk 224 88
(photo credit: AP [file])
In an interview with London-based newspaper a-Sharq al-Awsat Tuesday, Hamas deputy leader Moussa Abu Marzouk denied reports he had received a videotape of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit while in Gaza late last month. Also, contrary to reports, he said he had not been given a letter from the soldier. "I have no information on Schalit," he was quoted in the interview as saying. "I don't know if he's alive or dead. The factions aren't willing to give any information on him." The Kuwaiti newspaper al-Jarida had reported on Monday that Marzouk was given a tape and a letter by Izzaddin Kassam Brigades commander Ahmad Jabari during his short trip to the Strip after attending Palestinian reconciliation talks in Egypt. A senior government source responded to the report on Monday, telling Israel Radio that the Prime Minister's Office had no knowledge of the videotape. The source also emphasized that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was making every effort to secure the soldier's release during his final days in office.