Hamas was pulling out all the stops in attempts to shore up its own popular base.  A massive rally in Gaza was punctuated by Hamas leaders saying they will not budge on their proposal for a prisoner swap deal, intended to release the kidnapped Israeli Soldier, Gilad Shalit.

Mahmoud Zahar said from Gaza, “This issue is very clear. Hamas has demands and when these demands will be accepted, then the Palestinian prisoners will be released in God’s name.”  The strength of that statement hints that Hamas is continuing to push for at least two prisoners Israel is reluctant to release: Marwan Barghouti who is credited with engineering the latest violent Palestinian uprising, and Ahmed Sadaat, convicted of killing Israel’s Tourism Minister. The statement also alludes to the notion that the ball is in Israel’s court and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can now approve or refuse the latest proposal.  If accepted, the deal would free Shalit and a total of 1000 Palestinian prisoners.  If it goes through, it will be a terrific boost to the flagging popularity of Hamas.

Ismayel Haniya, the Prime Minister of Hamas gave a long, passionate and rambling speech at the rally. He made an effort to instill pride in the ranks of Palestinians who survived Israel’s month long offensive in Gaza almost a year ago, without mentioning the Qassam rockets that beckoned the offensive. He highlighted Hamas’ survival of that war and promised to remain intransigent, emphasizing the “resistance.” He swore Israel’s destruction promising a Palestine that stretched from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. “Hamas,” he shouted, “Will never recognize Israel.”