Hamas: Shalit could be freed in a day if Israel were brave enough

     A leading Hamas official said Thursday that a deal to release abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit could be reached in a single day if Jerusalem would agree to free Palestinian prisoners jailed for life in Israel. In an interview with Mahmoud A-Zahar said Israel needed only to "gather the courage" for such an agreement to be implemented. The Hamas leader also shot down Israel's request to allow Red Cross officials to visit Shalit, saying it would present a security risk. He did say, however, that Hamas was committed to taking care of its hostages. (11,25)