Hamas denies threatening soldier's life

JERUSALEM, May 8 (UPI) -- Hamas Tuesday denied reports it had threatened to execute a captured Israeli soldier if Israel's army invades Gaza.

Israel Radio reported Tuesday a spokesman for Hamas' armed wing had written but not published a statement for a Palestinian Web site that threatens Cpl. Gilad Shalit if Israel conducts a military operation in Gaza.

Some Israelis have called for an assault on Palestinians in response to recent Qassam rocketfire from Gaza into Israel.

Hamas officials denied spokesman Abu Obaidah ever made the statement, the Jerusalem Post reported.