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{{redirect|Shalit}}
#REDIRECT[[Yelkanum Seclamatum]]
{{infobox Military Person
| name = Gilad Shalit
| birthdate = {{birth date and age|1986|8|28}}
| placeofbirth = [[Nahariya]], [[Israel]]
| placeofdeath =
| image = [[Image:Gilad Shalit.jpeg|268px]]
| caption = Gilad Shalit (image courtesy of the Shalit family)
| nickname =
| allegiance = [[Israel]]
| serviceyears =
| rank = [[Staff Sergeant#Israel|Staff Sergeant]]<ref>[http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3527495,00.html "Parents of Gilad Shalit received their son's ranks of Staff Sergeant" (Ynet.co.il)]</ref>
| commands =
| unit = [[Armor Corps]]
| battles = [[Operation Summer Rains]]
| awards =
| laterwork =
}}

'''Gilad Shalit''' ({{lang-he|גלעד שליט}}, born [[28 August]] [[1986]]) is an [[Israel]]i soldier who was captured in a cross border raid on the crossing [[Kerem Shalom]] from the [[Gaza Strip]] by Palestinian militants on [[25 June]] [[2006]] and has been held hostage by [[Hamas]] since.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/06/28/news/mideast.php 'Israelis threaten a broader action' by Ian Fisher and Steven Erlanger], [[International Herald Tribune]]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6967230.stm Gilad Shalit's birthday marked]</ref><ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/26/israel.soldier/index.html 'Militants issue Israel hostage demands' (CNN)]</ref><ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,477716,00.html The Ebb And Flow of Hope], [[Der Spiegel]]</ref><ref>[http://www.house.gov/waxman/pdfs/resolution_israel_defend_h.res.921_7.19.06.pdf US Gov], [[United States House of Representatives]]</ref><ref>[http://jp.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=58070 'Soundbite: Gilad Shalit, hostage Israeli soldier'], [[Reuters]]</ref> Shalit, a soldier of the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF's]] [[Armor Corps (Israel)|Armor Corps]], held the [[Military rank|rank]] of [[corporal]] at the time of the incident but has since been promoted to staff sergeant.<ref>[http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3527495,00.html "Parents of Gilad Shalit received their son's ranks of Staff Sergeant" (Ynet.co.il)]</ref> He became the first Israeli soldier captured<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/26/israel.soldier/index.html 'Militants issue Israel hostage demands' (CNN)]</ref> by militant Palestinian forces since [[Nachshon Wachsman]] in 1994.<ref>{{cite news | title = Israel seizes Hamas legislators | publisher = [[BBC]] | date = [[29 June]] [[2006]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5127556.stm}}<br> - Cpl Gilad Shalit, 19: First Israeli soldier captured by Palestinians since 1994<br> - Amnesty International, the human rights group, called for all hostages to be released [...].</ref> His abduction<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/874524.html 'Shalit's father expresses hope Hamas is willing to negotiate' By Avi Issacharoff and Jonathan Lis], [[Haaretz]]</ref> and the following cross border raid by Hezbollah, resulting in the abduction of [[Ehud Goldwasser]] and [[Eldad Regev]] into [[Lebanon]], were key events leading up to the conflicts in [[2006 Israel-Gaza conflict|Gaza]] and [[2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict|Lebanon]] during summer [[2006]].
Shalit holds a French citizenship, a fact that encouraged France and the European Union to be involved to some extent in the efforts to release him.<ref>{{cite web|title=French diplomats: Kidnapped soldier holds French citizenship|url=http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Briefs/8754.htm|publisher=[[Israelinsider]]|date=2006-06-26|accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Shalit was born on [[28 August]] [[1986]] in [[Nahariya]], [[Israel]], and was raised from the age of two in [[Mitzpe Hila]] in the [[Galilee|western Galilee]]. He graduated with distinction from Manor Kabri High School. Shalit began military service in the [[Israel Defense Forces]] in July 2005, and “despite a low medical profile, he preferred to serve in a combat unit, following his elder brother Yoel into the armored corps.”<ref>{{cite web | title = Behind the Headlines: Six months in terrorist captivity | publisher = Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs | date = [[11 January]] [[2007]] | url = http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Behind+the+Headlines/Behind+the+Headlines-+Six+months+in+terrorist+captivity+11-Jan-2007.htm | accessdate = 2007-01-13}}</ref> He holds [[multiple citizenship|dual]] [[Israel]]i and [[France|French]] citizenship.<ref>{{cite news | last = Appel | first = Yoav, ''et al.'' | title = Shalit’s dad: ‘Hope is all we have left’ | publisher = [[Jerusalem Post]] | date= [[25 June]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150885847365&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull}}</ref>

==Capture==
Early on Sunday morning, [[25 June]] [[2006]], Shalit was captured by Palestinians who attacked an Israeli army post on the Israeli side of the southern [[Gaza Strip]] border after having crossed through an underground tunnel near the [[Kerem Shalom]] border crossing. During the morning attack, two Palestinian militants<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6238858.stm Q&A: Israeli soldier held in Gaza], BBC News, Monday, 25 June 2007.</ref> as well as two [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] soldiers were killed and three others wounded, aside from Shalit, who himself suffered a broken left hand and a light shoulder wound after his tank was hit with an [[Rocket propelled grenade|RPG]].<ref>{{cite news | last = Hoffman | first = Gil, ''et al.'' | title = Shalit’s health better than first feared | publisher= [[Jerusalem Post]] | date = [[29 June]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?c=JPArticle&cid=1150885856068&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull}}</ref>

Shalit’s captors issued a statement on Monday, [[26 June]] [[2006]], offering information on Shalit if Israel agreed to release all female Palestinian prisoners and all Palestinian prisoners under the age of 18.<ref>{{cite news | title = Militants issue Israel hostage demands | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = [[26 June]] [[2006]] | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/06/26/israel.soldier/index.html}}</ref> The statement came from the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the [[Popular Resistance Committees]] (which includes members of [[Fatah]], [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement|Islamic Jihad]], and Hamas), and a previously unknown group calling itself the [[Palestinian Army of Islam|Army of Islam]].

==Rescue attempt==
[[Image:Zar'it-Shtula incident poster by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|140px|Posters about the missing soldiers still seen all over Israel in late 2007.]]
{{main|2006 Israel-Gaza conflict}}
Israeli forces entered [[Khan Yunis]] on [[28 June]] [[2006]] to search for Shalit. According to David Siegel, a spokesman at the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.&nbsp;C., “Israel did everything it could in exhausting all diplomatic options and gave [[Mahmoud Abbas]] the opportunity to return the captured Israeli… This operation can be terminated immediately, conditioned on the release of Gilad Shalit.”<ref>{{cite news | last = Rosenberg | first = David | title = Israeli Army Enters Gaza to Find Kidnapped Soldier (update 2) | publisher = [[Bloomberg.com]] | date = [[28 June]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=avQ5sj2YpzXI}}</ref> On the same day, four [[Israeli Air Force]] aircraft flew over [[Syria]]n President Bashar Assad's palace in [[Latakia]], as IDF spokesperson stated that Israel views the Syrian leadership as a sponsor of Hamas.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3268747,00.html |title=IAF: Aerial flight over Assad's palace |author=Hanan Greenberg |publisher=[[Ynetnews]] |date= 2006-06-28 |accessdate=2008-01-25}}</ref>. Human rights group B'Tselem has criticised Israels attacks on a civilian power plant during the June 28 attacks as uneccesary and a possible war crime. <ref>http://www.btselem.org/english/publications/summaries/200609_act_of_vengeance.asp Act of Vengeance: Israel's Bombing of the Gaza Power Plant and its Effects</ref>

On [[29 June]], the commander of the [[Israeli Southern Command]], [[Aluf]] [[Yoav Galant]], confirmed that Shalit was still in Gaza. Israel’s Minister of Justice, [[Haim Ramon]], added that Shalit was being held in southern Gaza, specifically. The military correspondent for the [[Israel Broadcasting Authority]] claimed that Shalit was being held captive in [[Rafah]], and that there was indication that he was still alive. However, [[IDF Spokesperson's Unit|IDF spokesperson]] Brig. Gen. [[Miri Regev]] stated, “we are not convinced he is being held in southern Gaza… [only] that he is being held in Gaza.”<ref>{{cite news | title = Today in the News | publisher = [[Israel Broadcasting Authority]] | date = [[29 June]] [[2006]]}}</ref>

On [[1 July]], the [[BBC]] reported that Shalit had been treated by a Palestinian doctor for a broken hand and a light shoulder wound. Israeli governmental authorities threatened that the “sky will fall” if Shalit is harmed.<ref>{{cite news | title = Israel: ‘Sky will fall’ if soldier is harmed | publisher = Times of Oman | date = [[5 July]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=32628}}</ref>

On the same day, Shalit’s Palestinian captors issued another demand to the Israelis, asking them to free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners (in addition to all women and young prisoners as previously demanded) and to end Israel’s incursion into Gaza.<ref>{{cite news | title = FACTBOX&mdash;The crisis over Israel’s captured soldier | publisher = [[Reuters]] | date = [[2 July]] [[2006]] | url = http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2006-07-02T124159Z_01_L02487670_RTRUKOT_0_TEXT0.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsArt-L1-RelatedNews-4}}</ref> Two days later, the captors issued a 24-hour ultimatum for meeting their demands, threatening unspecified consequences if Israel refused.<ref>{{cite news | title = Palestinian militants issue ultimatum to Israel | publisher = [[Reuters]] | date = [[3 July]] [[2006]] | url = http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-07-03T072306Z_01_SCH354578_RTRUKOC_0_US-MIDEAST.xml&archived=False}}</ref> Hours after the ultimatum was issued, Israel officially rejected demands, stating that “there will be no negotiations to release prisoners.”<ref>{{cite news | title = Minister Ramon: IDF operations in Gaza will be ‘far far worse’ if Shalit harmed | publisher = [[Haaretz]] | date = [[3 July]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/733789.html}}</ref>

After Shalit’s capture, the [[nuncio|Papal Nuncio]] to Israel, Archbishop [[Antonio Franco]], made an unsuccessful attempt to secure the release of Shalit via the Catholic Church’s Gaza-based parish.<ref>{{cite news | title = Pope’s rep tried for Shalit’s release | publisher = [[Jerusalem Post]] | date = [[19 July]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150886039049&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull}}</ref>

==Diplomatic efforts==
In September 2006, Egyptian mediators received a letter written by Gilad in which he stated that he was alive and well. The handwriting was confirmed to be that of Cpl.&nbsp;Shalit.<ref>{{cite news | title = Proof of life letter from captive Israeli soldier | publisher = [http://www.news.com.au/ News Interactive] | date = [[15 September]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,20418523-401,00.html}}</ref> In October, Egypt was also reported to be negotiating with Hamas on behalf of Israel for Shalit’s release.<ref>[http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L26868136.htm Alertnet]</ref>

On [[28 October]] [[2006]], the [[Popular Resistance Committees]] (PRC) said in a statement that all three parties had agreed to a proposal by Egyptian mediators regarding the release of corporal Gilad Shalit. The PRC did not provide details, but said that the Egyptian proposal would include the release of Palestinians held by Israel.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A2B38D35-C2B5-43EF-B3F5-0DF96AC31D05.htm al Jazeera.net]</ref> It was the first time since Shalit’s capture that any of the factions indicated that his release might be imminent.

In November 2006, Hamas leader [[Khaled Meshaal]] indicated that Shalit was alive and in good health.<ref>[http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=7145 Aawsat.com]</ref>

On [[4 January]] [[2007]], Hamas offered to give Israel a videotape proving that Shalit is still alive if Israel released all Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?c=JPArticle&cid=1167467656424&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Jpost]</ref> Israeli Prime Minister [[Ehud Olmert]] rejected Hamas’s proposal. Shalit’s father, Noam Shalit, seemed to agree with the government’s response, stating on [[7 January]], “I want my son back, not a video or a letter.”<ref>{{cite news | last = Khoury | first = Jack | title = Mother of soldier snatched by Hezbollah slams politicians’ inaction | publisher = [[Haaretz]] | date = [[8 January]] [[2007]] | url = http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/810517.html | accessdate = 2007-01-13}}</ref>

On [[9 January]] [[2007]], Abu Mujahed, a spokesman for the captors, asserted that Shalit “has not been harmed at all,” going on to say, “He is being treated in accordance with Islamic values regulating the treatment of prisoners of war.” However, he threatened, “We have managed to keep the soldier in captivity for six months and we have no problem keeping him for years.”<ref>{{cite news | last = Abu Toameh | first = Khaled | title = ‘We’re ready to keep Shalit for years’ | publisher = [[Jerusalem Post]] | date = [[9 January]] [[2007]] | url = http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1167467694283&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull | accessdate = 2007-01-13}}</ref>

On [[17 January]] [[2007]], one of the captor groups, the [[Army of Islam]] headed by Mumtaz Dormush, claimed that Shalit is held exclusively by [[Hamas]].<ref>Haaretz: [http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/814842.html Army of Islam: IDF soldier Shalit held exclusively by Hamas], January 18, 2007</ref>

On [[8 March]] [[2007]], [[The Jerusalem Post]] reported that an agreement has been reached with Hamas over the number of prisoners Israel will release in return for Shalit. Israel and Hamas are still negotiating specific prisoners that Hamas wants freed in return for Shalit.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1173173957167&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Jpost]</ref>

On [[7 April]] [[2007]], It was reported that the captors of Gilad Shalit have transferred to Israel, via Egyptian mediators, a list of Palestinian prisoners they want freed. The list includes approximately 1300 names some of which are high ranking Fatah members.<ref>[http://nz.news.yahoo.com/070408/5/a61.html Yahoo news]</ref>

On [[4 February]] [[2008]], it was reported that Hamas had sent Gilad's family a second letter written by him. The handwriting was confirmed to be that of Shalit.<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/950719.html Ha'aretz]</ref>

Gilad's father Noam Shalit met with former U.S. president [[Jimmy Carter]] during the latter's April [[2008]] visit to Israel. Carter plans to later visit [[Khaled Meshal]] of Hamas in Damascus. Noam Shalit said that the fact that Carter is not considered pro-Israel could be beneficial in securing his son's release.<ref>{{cite news
|title=Noam Shalit: The fact that Carter isn't pro-Israel may be beneficial
|author=Haaretz Service and News Agencies
|work=[[Haaretz]]
|url=http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/974412.html
|date=2008-04-13
}}</ref>

On [[9 June]] [[2008]], it was reported that Hamas sent Gilad's family a third letter. The group had promised to send them a third letter after mediation from former U.S. president [[Jimmy Carter]]. The handwriting was confirmed to be that of Shalit.<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/991222.html Ha'aretz]</ref>

On [[12 August]] [[2008]], Hamas noted that they are suspending talks on Shalit's release demanding a complete lifting of the Israeli siege. The decision has angered Egypt, a mediator for the release of Shalit. Hamas has criticized the Egyptians for linking the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Shalit's release, a condition which Hamas refuses to agree to.<ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1010646.html Ha'aretz] 12 August 2008 ''Hamas says not interested in renewing Shalit negotiations'' By Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel</ref>

On [[20 August]] [[2008]], in his briefing to the [[Security Council]], the Under-Secretary-General of the UN appeared to link the decision to release 200 Palestinian prisoners to the case,<ref>{{ UN document |docid=S-PV-5963 |body=Security Council |type=Verbotim Report |meeting=5963 |page=2 |anchor=pg002-bk06-pa09 |date=[[20 August]] [[2008]] |speakername=[[Lynn Pascoe]] | speakernation=Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs |accessdate=2008-08-22 }}</ref> although the Hamas spokesman saw it as an attempt to strengthen Palestinian internal divisions by releasing only those loyal to the Fatah faction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0817/breaking19.htm|title=Israel to release 200 Palestinian prisoners|date=[[17 August]] [[2008]]|publisher=The Irish Times}}</ref>

==International Law==

On [[25 June]], 2007, the Israeli human rights organization [[B'Tselem]] issued a statement that "international humanitarian law absolutely prohibits taking and holding a person by force in order to compel the enemy to meet certain demands, while threatening to harm or kill the person if the demands are not met," and thus Hamas holding Gilad Shalit<ref>[http://www.israel-mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Behind+the+Headlines/Rescuing+Gilad+Shalit+from+his+Hamas+kidnappers+29-Jun-2006.htm Behind the Headlines: Rescuing Gilad Shalit from his Hamas kidnappers] by [[Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs], June 29, 2006</ref> as a hostage to their demands is a [[war crime]]. Shalit's denied rights to [[International Committee of the Red Cross|Red Cross (ICRC)]] visitation was noted as a blatant violation of international law as well.<ref>[http://www.btselem.org/english/Press_Releases/20070625.asp "Holding Gilad Shalit as a hostage is a war crime"] - B'Tselem press release, issued 25 June 2007</ref>

==See also==
*[[Israeli MIAs]]
*[[Zachary Baumel]]
*[[Muamar family detention incident]]

==References==
{{wikinews|Israeli soldier taken captive}}
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.habanim.org/en/index_en.html Banim.org] &ndash; Official site for the 2006 MIAs (Shalit, Goldwasser, Regev)
*{{he icon}}/{{en icon}} {{PDFlink|[http://www.lookstein.org/resources/gilad_shalit.pdf Prayer for Gilad’s safe return]|182&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 186667 bytes -->}}
*[http://www.ynetnews.com/home/0,7340,L-4244,00.html Gaza Kidnapping of Israeli Soldier] &ndash; News and updates related to Gilad Shalit
*[http://giladshalit.blogspot.com/ Free Gilad Shalit] &ndash;Website providing Information related to campaign to Free Gilad Shalit
*[http://www.banim.org/shalit.mp3 Shalit's audio tape recording] as of June 25, 2007 (Hebrew)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shalit, Gilad}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:2006 Israel-Gaza conflict]]
[[Category:Israeli Jews]]
[[Category:Israeli soldiers]]
[[Category:Missing in action]]
[[Category:Kidnappings]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Israeli people taken hostage]]

[[ar:جلعاد شاليط]]
[[cs:Gilad Šalit]]
[[de:Gilad Schalit]]
[[fr:Gilad Shalit]]
[[id:Gilad Shalit]]
[[it:Gilad Shalit]]
[[he:גלעד שליט]]
[[nl:Gilad Shalit]]
[[no:Gilad Shalit]]
[[pl:Gilad Szalit]]
[[pt:Gilad Shalit]]
[[ru:Шалит, Гилад]]
[[fi:Gilad Shalit]]
[[sv:Gilad Shalit]]
[[yi:גלעד שליט]]

Revision as of 10:22, 11 October 2008

"Shalit" redirects here. For other uses, see Shalit (disambiguation).
Gilad Shalit
File:Gilad Shalit.jpeg
Gilad Shalit (image courtesy of the Shalit family)
AllegianceIsrael
RankStaff Sergeant[1]
UnitArmor Corps
Battles/warsOperation Summer Rains

Gilad Shalit (Hebrew: גלעד שליט, born 28 August 1986) is an Israeli soldier who was captured in a cross border raid on the crossing Kerem Shalom from the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants on 25 June 2006 and has been held hostage by Hamas since.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Shalit, a soldier of the IDF's Armor Corps, held the rank of corporal at the time of the incident but has since been promoted to staff sergeant.[8] He became the first Israeli soldier captured[9] by militant Palestinian forces since Nachshon Wachsman in 1994.[10] His abduction[11] and the following cross border raid by Hezbollah, resulting in the abduction of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev into Lebanon, were key events leading up to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon during summer 2006. Shalit holds a French citizenship, a fact that encouraged France and the European Union to be involved to some extent in the efforts to release him.[12]

Personal life

Shalit was born on 28 August 1986 in Nahariya, Israel, and was raised from the age of two in Mitzpe Hila in the western Galilee. He graduated with distinction from Manor Kabri High School. Shalit began military service in the Israel Defense Forces in July 2005, and “despite a low medical profile, he preferred to serve in a combat unit, following his elder brother Yoel into the armored corps.”[13] He holds dual Israeli and French citizenship.[14]

Capture

Early on Sunday morning, 25 June 2006, Shalit was captured by Palestinians who attacked an Israeli army post on the Israeli side of the southern Gaza Strip border after having crossed through an underground tunnel near the Kerem Shalom border crossing. During the morning attack, two Palestinian militants[15] as well as two IDF soldiers were killed and three others wounded, aside from Shalit, who himself suffered a broken left hand and a light shoulder wound after his tank was hit with an RPG.[16]

Shalit’s captors issued a statement on Monday, 26 June 2006, offering information on Shalit if Israel agreed to release all female Palestinian prisoners and all Palestinian prisoners under the age of 18.[17] The statement came from the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the Popular Resistance Committees (which includes members of Fatah, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas), and a previously unknown group calling itself the Army of Islam.

Rescue attempt

File:Zar'it-Shtula incident poster by David Shankbone.jpg
Posters about the missing soldiers still seen all over Israel in late 2007.
Main article: 2006 Israel-Gaza conflict

Israeli forces entered Khan Yunis on 28 June 2006 to search for Shalit. According to David Siegel, a spokesman at the Israeli embassy in Washington, D. C., “Israel did everything it could in exhausting all diplomatic options and gave Mahmoud Abbas the opportunity to return the captured Israeli… This operation can be terminated immediately, conditioned on the release of Gilad Shalit.”[18] On the same day, four Israeli Air Force aircraft flew over Syrian President Bashar Assad's palace in Latakia, as IDF spokesperson stated that Israel views the Syrian leadership as a sponsor of Hamas.[19]. Human rights group B'Tselem has criticised Israels attacks on a civilian power plant during the June 28 attacks as uneccesary and a possible war crime. [20]

On 29 June, the commander of the Israeli Southern Command, Aluf Yoav Galant, confirmed that Shalit was still in Gaza. Israel’s Minister of Justice, Haim Ramon, added that Shalit was being held in southern Gaza, specifically. The military correspondent for the Israel Broadcasting Authority claimed that Shalit was being held captive in Rafah, and that there was indication that he was still alive. However, IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miri Regev stated, “we are not convinced he is being held in southern Gaza… [only] that he is being held in Gaza.”[21]

On 1 July, the BBC reported that Shalit had been treated by a Palestinian doctor for a broken hand and a light shoulder wound. Israeli governmental authorities threatened that the “sky will fall” if Shalit is harmed.[22]

On the same day, Shalit’s Palestinian captors issued another demand to the Israelis, asking them to free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners (in addition to all women and young prisoners as previously demanded) and to end Israel’s incursion into Gaza.[23] Two days later, the captors issued a 24-hour ultimatum for meeting their demands, threatening unspecified consequences if Israel refused.[24] Hours after the ultimatum was issued, Israel officially rejected demands, stating that “there will be no negotiations to release prisoners.”[25]

After Shalit’s capture, the Papal Nuncio to Israel, Archbishop Antonio Franco, made an unsuccessful attempt to secure the release of Shalit via the Catholic Church’s Gaza-based parish.[26]

Diplomatic efforts

In September 2006, Egyptian mediators received a letter written by Gilad in which he stated that he was alive and well. The handwriting was confirmed to be that of Cpl. Shalit.[27] In October, Egypt was also reported to be negotiating with Hamas on behalf of Israel for Shalit’s release.[28]

On 28 October 2006, the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) said in a statement that all three parties had agreed to a proposal by Egyptian mediators regarding the release of corporal Gilad Shalit. The PRC did not provide details, but said that the Egyptian proposal would include the release of Palestinians held by Israel.[29] It was the first time since Shalit’s capture that any of the factions indicated that his release might be imminent.

In November 2006, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal indicated that Shalit was alive and in good health.[30]

On 4 January 2007, Hamas offered to give Israel a videotape proving that Shalit is still alive if Israel released all Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons.[31] Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert rejected Hamas’s proposal. Shalit’s father, Noam Shalit, seemed to agree with the government’s response, stating on 7 January, “I want my son back, not a video or a letter.”[32]

On 9 January 2007, Abu Mujahed, a spokesman for the captors, asserted that Shalit “has not been harmed at all,” going on to say, “He is being treated in accordance with Islamic values regulating the treatment of prisoners of war.” However, he threatened, “We have managed to keep the soldier in captivity for six months and we have no problem keeping him for years.”[33]

On 17 January 2007, one of the captor groups, the Army of Islam headed by Mumtaz Dormush, claimed that Shalit is held exclusively by Hamas.[34]

On 8 March 2007, The Jerusalem Post reported that an agreement has been reached with Hamas over the number of prisoners Israel will release in return for Shalit. Israel and Hamas are still negotiating specific prisoners that Hamas wants freed in return for Shalit.[35]

On 7 April 2007, It was reported that the captors of Gilad Shalit have transferred to Israel, via Egyptian mediators, a list of Palestinian prisoners they want freed. The list includes approximately 1300 names some of which are high ranking Fatah members.[36]

On 4 February 2008, it was reported that Hamas had sent Gilad's family a second letter written by him. The handwriting was confirmed to be that of Shalit.[37]

Gilad's father Noam Shalit met with former U.S. president Jimmy Carter during the latter's April 2008 visit to Israel. Carter plans to later visit Khaled Meshal of Hamas in Damascus. Noam Shalit said that the fact that Carter is not considered pro-Israel could be beneficial in securing his son's release.[38]

On 9 June 2008, it was reported that Hamas sent Gilad's family a third letter. The group had promised to send them a third letter after mediation from former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. The handwriting was confirmed to be that of Shalit.[39]

On 12 August 2008, Hamas noted that they are suspending talks on Shalit's release demanding a complete lifting of the Israeli siege. The decision has angered Egypt, a mediator for the release of Shalit. Hamas has criticized the Egyptians for linking the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Shalit's release, a condition which Hamas refuses to agree to.[40]

On 20 August 2008, in his briefing to the Security Council, the Under-Secretary-General of the UN appeared to link the decision to release 200 Palestinian prisoners to the case,[41] although the Hamas spokesman saw it as an attempt to strengthen Palestinian internal divisions by releasing only those loyal to the Fatah faction.[42]

International Law

On 25 June, 2007, the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem issued a statement that "international humanitarian law absolutely prohibits taking and holding a person by force in order to compel the enemy to meet certain demands, while threatening to harm or kill the person if the demands are not met," and thus Hamas holding Gilad Shalit[43] as a hostage to their demands is a war crime. Shalit's denied rights to Red Cross (ICRC) visitation was noted as a blatant violation of international law as well.[44]

See also

References

Wikinews has related news:
  1. ^ "Parents of Gilad Shalit received their son's ranks of Staff Sergeant" (Ynet.co.il)
  2. ^ 'Israelis threaten a broader action' by Ian Fisher and Steven Erlanger, International Herald Tribune
  3. ^ Gilad Shalit's birthday marked
  4. ^ 'Militants issue Israel hostage demands' (CNN)
  5. ^ The Ebb And Flow of Hope, Der Spiegel
  6. ^ US Gov, United States House of Representatives
  7. ^ 'Soundbite: Gilad Shalit, hostage Israeli soldier', Reuters
  8. ^ "Parents of Gilad Shalit received their son's ranks of Staff Sergeant" (Ynet.co.il)
  9. ^ 'Militants issue Israel hostage demands' (CNN)
  10. ^ "Israel seizes Hamas legislators". BBC. 29 June 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
    - Cpl Gilad Shalit, 19: First Israeli soldier captured by Palestinians since 1994
    - Amnesty International, the human rights group, called for all hostages to be released [...].
  11. ^ 'Shalit's father expresses hope Hamas is willing to negotiate' By Avi Issacharoff and Jonathan Lis, Haaretz
  12. ^ "French diplomats: Kidnapped soldier holds French citizenship". Israelinsider. 2006-06-26. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
  13. ^ "Behind the Headlines: Six months in terrorist captivity". Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 11 January 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Appel, Yoav; et al. (25 June 2006). "Shalit's dad: 'Hope is all we have left'". Jerusalem Post. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Explicit use of et al. in: |first= (help)
  15. ^ Q&A: Israeli soldier held in Gaza, BBC News, Monday, 25 June 2007.
  16. ^ Hoffman, Gil; et al. (29 June 2006). "Shalit's health better than first feared". Jerusalem Post. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Explicit use of et al. in: |first= (help)
  17. ^ "Militants issue Israel hostage demands". CNN. 26 June 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Rosenberg, David (28 June 2006). "Israeli Army Enters Gaza to Find Kidnapped Soldier (update 2)". Bloomberg.com. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Hanan Greenberg (2006-06-28). "IAF: Aerial flight over Assad's palace". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
  20. ^ http://www.btselem.org/english/publications/summaries/200609_act_of_vengeance.asp Act of Vengeance: Israel's Bombing of the Gaza Power Plant and its Effects
  21. ^ "Today in the News". Israel Broadcasting Authority. 29 June 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Israel: 'Sky will fall' if soldier is harmed". Times of Oman. 5 July 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ "FACTBOX—The crisis over Israel's captured soldier". Reuters. 2 July 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ "Palestinian militants issue ultimatum to Israel". Reuters. 3 July 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ "Minister Ramon: IDF operations in Gaza will be 'far far worse' if Shalit harmed". Haaretz. 3 July 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ "Pope's rep tried for Shalit's release". Jerusalem Post. 19 July 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ "Proof of life letter from captive Israeli soldier". News Interactive. 15 September 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); External link in |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ Alertnet
  29. ^ al Jazeera.net
  30. ^ Aawsat.com
  31. ^ Jpost
  32. ^ Khoury, Jack (8 January 2007). "Mother of soldier snatched by Hezbollah slams politicians' inaction". Haaretz. Retrieved 2007-01-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ Abu Toameh, Khaled (9 January 2007). "'We're ready to keep Shalit for years'". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2007-01-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ Haaretz: Army of Islam: IDF soldier Shalit held exclusively by Hamas, January 18, 2007
  35. ^ Jpost
  36. ^ Yahoo news
  37. ^ Ha'aretz
  38. ^ Haaretz Service and News Agencies (2008-04-13). "Noam Shalit: The fact that Carter isn't pro-Israel may be beneficial". Haaretz.
  39. ^ Ha'aretz
  40. ^ Ha'aretz 12 August 2008 Hamas says not interested in renewing Shalit negotiations By Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel
  41. ^ United Nations Security Council Verbotim Report 5963. S/PV/5963 page 2. Lynn Pascoe Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs 20 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
  42. ^ "Israel to release 200 Palestinian prisoners". The Irish Times. 17 August 2008. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ Behind the Headlines: Rescuing Gilad Shalit from his Hamas kidnappers by [[Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs], June 29, 2006
  44. ^ "Holding Gilad Shalit as a hostage is a war crime" - B'Tselem press release, issued 25 June 2007

External links

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