Hamas may release Shalit 'sign of life'

GAZA, April 13 (UPI) -- Hamas may release a new tape of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit but warned Israel will have to pay a price for the "sign of life," Hamas officials said.

Unnamed Hamas officials confirmed a request from International Red Cross representatives acting on behalf of Shalit's parents, Noam and Aviva, had been received by the movement, a report in Hamas's official weekly, al-Risala, said.

"Will Shalit be seen one more time on the video screen?" the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth Wednesday quoted the headline of the article as asking.

The release of an additional video of the soldier held captive in Gaza since his cross-border kidnapping in June 2006 would pressure Israel to consider the release of Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for the Shalit's freedom, the Hebrew language newspaper quoted the Hamas newspaper as saying.

An unnamed, high-ranking Hamas official said the movement has no intention of changing its demands for the soldier's release and holds Israel responsible for the lack of progress made, Yedioth Ahronoth said.