There appears to be increased optimism that captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit may soon be released from his nearly 3 year captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza. Shalit, whose army armor corps unit was attacked on June 25, 2006 while on patrol alongside Israel’s Kerem Shalom border area; was taken back to Gaza by his captors following the ambush on his armored personnel carrier in which two Israeli soldiers were killed and three were wounded. Since then, no actual photographs or video films have been shown to indicate his condition, and only three letters have been given to his parents, Noam and Aviva, to confirm that the young soldier is alive.
Since his capture, intense local and international efforts have been made to secure his release from a captivity that is now in its 961st day. Until now, the release of the young soldier, who has been promoted to Staff Sergeant, has been delayed numerous times by unacceptable demands made by Hamas which has included releasing more than 1,000 Palestinians including several who have been found responsible for involvement in a number of deadly terror attacks against Israeli civilians.
A number of countries have tried to intervene on Shalit’s behalf, including European ones like Germany and France. Due to his holding French nationality, Shalit was recently named an Honorary Citizen of Paris. Even the Catholic Church has tried to gain his release, through its representatives in Gaza; but until now, these efforts have been to no avail. Gilad’s parents have been involved in a number of international rallies to gain more attention to the plight of their son; and recently, Aviva Schalit was featured on a weekend news magazine for the Israeli Channel 2 TV network.
Following the 22 day Operation Cast Lead military actions between Israel and Hamas, diplomatic efforts have been stepped up on Shalit’s behalf, and several meetings have been held in Cairo to work out a deal to gain his release. The Hamas organization, whose infrastructure was severely damaged during the war, which also left more than 1.300 Palestinians dead, appear to want to enter into a long period of quiet with Israel in order to rebuild installations damaged or destroyed. Shalit himself was reported by his captors to have been injured by explosions during the action.
Schalit’s release is now a top priority for the Israeli government and exiting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other government officials are demanding that Shalit be released before Israel agrees to enter into a serious truce with Hamas and other Islamic terror organizations in Gaza. For their part, the Hamas leadership seems to be more in favor of the young soldier’s release, providing certain “conditions” be met, including opening of border crossings to allow sufficient aid and supplies to enter the place that many people refer to as an “open air prison”.
Increased military activity during the past few days, by both the IAF and Hamas militants, could cancel a final deal, however. Also, the number and types of Hamas prisoners that Israel is holding could prevent Schalit’s release, as many of these militants have been involved in the killing of Israeli civilians and therefore have “blood on their hands” The demand for release of a high ranking Fatah personality, Marwan Barghouti, is also a problematic issue.
All everyone can hope for now is that Gilad is alive and in some measure of good health, despite the suffering that both he and his family have endured during this long period.
February 27, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I truly hope that the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will be released by his captures. He will be in my prayers. The only answer for these kind of things is for all men to have their hearts changed as Holy Scripture says If any man be in Christ he is a new creature;old things are passed away behold all things are become new. If Hamas leaders as others in the human race would only recognize their Creator,God realizing that one day they will give account to him for their actions and sins they would not do such things. And would release him immediately. Since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And that God loves all of mankind including this Israeli soldier and even them. For God so loved the world;that he gave his only begotten son,that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.(John3:16).What is his name and what is his sons name.God the Father and The LORD Jesus Christ. The Holy Scriptures say (Isaiah53),he was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. He died on a cross outside of Jerusulum for the sins of the whole world.Since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He was buried, and rose from the dead was seen of men and went back up to Heaven. We can have all our sins forgiven by God if we repent of our sins and trust Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour and God.Behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.The only true Messiah who is coming again someday for his own. Ask him to forgive your sins and save your soul today and he will give you his gift of eternal life now and in Heaven someday for eternity. Thank You!