Israel minister hints at swap

Jerusalem: An Israeli Cabinet minister on Friday said it is possible that Israel might free some Palestinian prisoners if militants release a captured soldier and end attacks.

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter was quoted by his spokesman as saying that if Corporal Gilad Shalit was freed and attacks stopped then Israel "knows how to carry out a release of prisoners as a goodwill gesture."

Israel has said it will not agree to the swapping of prisoners for Shalit's release, and that it will resort to intensified military action.

Palestinian militants abducted Shalit in the Gaza Strip on June 25.

Hamas said on Friday that Shalit is being treated well.

"His treatment is being done well and in a humanitarian way in accordance with the orders of our religion," the group said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have killed nearly 40 Palestinian militants in the past week, according to an Israeli military chief.

Speaking on Israeli radio, Lieutenant General Dan Halutz said, "The terrorists have paid a heavy price so far."

The Israeli military resumed operations in northern Gaza on Friday, killing one Hamas militant and wounding three others.

Palestinian fighters armed with machine funs and rocket propelled grenade launchers confronted Israeli tanks and helicopters after Israel took control of two former colonies in the Gaza Strip.