JERUSALEM, October 12, 2011 (WAFA) – The Israeli government Tuesday night said the imprisoned Fatah leader, Marwan Barghouti, and the Secretary General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Ahmad Sa’adat, are not included in the prisoners exchange deal that would free more than 1000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

“Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Sa’adat will not be released,” said head of the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet), Yoram Cohen.

Israel and Hamas had reached a prisoner exchange deal last night that will release the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas since 2006, in exchange for releasing 1027 Palestinian prisoners.

R.Q./F.J.