A Hamas-affiliated prisoners rights group on Wednesday announced an award of one million Jordanian Dinars (JD) (about US$1.41 million) for anyone capturing Israeli soldier.

"We are ready to collect one million JD for anyone capturing a Zionist soldier to exchange for Palestinian prisoners," said the Gaza-based Wa'ed Association for Prisoners.

"Everyone should work and use every possible means to free the prisoners," Wa'ed added in a statement sent to the press.

The association, established by Hamas after the Islamic movement took over the Gaza Strip in 2007, called on militant groups to deal seriously with its call to abduct Israelis.

Hamas has already held an Israeli corporal, Gilad Shalit, since June 2006, while Israel holds around 11,000 Palestinian prisoners. Germany and Egypt have been mediating negotiations between Hamas and Israel to swap hostages.

Wa'ed said it announced its award after an Israeli association offered US$10 million for any Palestinian giving information about the captive Gilad Shalit's whereabouts.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2009)