(IsraelNN.com) Hamas's Gaza leader Ismail Haniyeh told supporters in Gaza City Saturday that the Olmert administration's agreement to release Arab terrorists helps Hamas's demands in negotiations for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. The government approved freeing the terrorists, including child murderer Samir Kuntar, in return for the bodies of kidnapped IDF soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.

Haniyeh, speaking at the Islamic University, said he sees the deal with Hizbullah should help Hamas bring about "the release our heroes from prison." He also announced that he has ordered his government to issue a diplomatic passport to Kuntar.