Hamas Officials to Remain in Custody Until Monday 21:50 Sep 14, '06 / 21 Elul 5766

(IsraelNN.com) The 20 Hamas government officials who were arrested in sweeps carried out by IDF troops in retaliation for the kidnapping of Corporal Gilad Shalit by Hamas terrorists will remain in custody over the weekend.

A military court initially ruled the Hamas legislators should be released; however, an appeal by the military prosecutor led to a decision to continue their incarceration until Monday, when the court will hear arguments about an extension of the administrative detention.

An attorney for the Hamas lawmakers argued that they were entitled to diplomatic immunity and said the arrests were a violation of the Geneva Convention. The court rejected the arguments.