Israel stays mum as deadline passes; Calls to Hamas about captive soldier go unanswered.(Main)

Byline: RAVI NESSMAN Associated Press

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - A deadline by militants holding an Israeli soldier expired early today with no sign that Israel was considering giving in to the demand to release prisoners and no word from the captors.

The Hamas-linked militants set 6 a.m. deadline for Israel to begin freeing the prisoners, implying they would kill him if their demands were not met.

Calls after the deadline expired to Hamas leaders and to Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Hamas military wing, were not answered.

There also was no word on the condition of the soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit, 19.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud …

Israel stays mum as deadline passes; Calls to Hamas about captive soldier go unanswered.(Main)

Byline: RAVI NESSMAN Associated Press

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - A deadline by militants holding an Israeli soldier expired early today with no sign that Israel was considering giving in to the demand to release prisoners and no word from the captors.

The Hamas-linked militants set 6 a.m. deadline for Israel to begin freeing the prisoners, implying they would kill him if their demands were not met.

Calls after the deadline expired to Hamas leaders and to Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Hamas military wing, were not answered.

There also was no word on the condition of the soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit, 19.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud …