Freeing prisoners in Israel holly duty for Hamas: spokesman

As Palestinians marked Prisoner's Day Friday, a spokesman for Hamas' armed wing said freeing Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails is "a holy duty."

Abu Obeida, spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing in Gaza, told a news conference aired Friday evening on Hamas's al-Aqsa TV that "freeing prisoners is a holy duty and a role we won't give up."

He stressed that his group is in solidarity with the prisoners until they are all released.

"We don't believe in slogans or words, we believe in deeds and endless efforts until we release all the prisoners from their jails," said Abu Obeida, adding that "the prisoners have to be confident that their freedom is approaching soon."

According to official figures there are 6,500 prisoners in 22 Israeli jails, including 478 prisoners serving life imprisonment. The number also includes 480 under administrative detention, 21 women and 205 children below the age of 18.

During last summer's Israeli military large-scale operation waged on the Gaza Strip, Hamas announced on July 20 that its militants abducted an Israeli soldier and is holding the body of another Israeli army officer.

Hamas didn't reveal further details on whether the soldier is still alive or dead, however, Israel admitted two days following the soldier's disappearance that one of its soldiers went missing during ground operations waged on Gaza then. Enditem