Tel Aviv, Israel (AHN) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims his government has renewed contacts with a German mediator to start a fresh round of talks for the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from Hamas, a rumor the Palestinian militant group vehemently rejects.

Talking to Israel Army Radio without elaborating, Netanyahu said that his government had taken several discrete efforts for the release of Sgt. Shalit in the past few weeks.

Shalit’s father rejected the prime minister’s statement, telling Army Radio that no progress was being made in gaining his son’s release.

He said, “There are efforts, but nothing new because, ultimately, the prime minister has to take the right decisions.”

Hamas has also denied that talks have resumed.

The militants captured Shalit during a military raid near Israel’s border with Gaza four years ago.

When Israel asked for his release, Hamas demanded the release of hundreds of Palestinians as a pre-condition. Netanyahu also agreed to release nearly 1,000 prisoners and gave their list to Hamas but the militant group rejected it saying it does not include all the prisoners.

Hamas spokesman Usama Hamdan blamed Netanyahu for the delay. “Anyone who attempted to take part in this mediation has come to realize that Netanyahu’s position is the reason for the halt, and until now there is no change in Netanyahu’s position. This is the gist of our recent contacts with the German mediator, who was mediating the talks,” he said, speaking to the BBC.

Opposition politicians have criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough for Shalit’s release.

Separately, the Israeli Housing Ministry has sparked Palestinians’ ire after it disclosed its plans to construct 238 new homes for Jewish settlers. The ministry said that 158 homes would be built in the Pisgat Zeev settlement, with the remaining 80 in Ramot.

The move came at a time when the Middle East peace talks are already on the verge of collapse over the settlement issue.

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