Gaza faction says "discussion closed" on soldier

GAZA, July 4 (Reuters) One of the Palestinian militant groups that abducted an Israeli soldier said no further information would be given on the captive's fate after Israel refused to meet a deadline today to free prisoners.

''Discussion is closed,'' said Abu al-Muthana, spokesman for the Islamic Army in the Gaza Strip. ''Whether he will be killed or not killed, we will not disclose any information about the fate of the soldier.'' There was no immediate comment from the other two groups that were involved in capturing Corporal Gilad Shalit on June 25.

REUTERS CH KN0952