For three whole years, abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit remains in the hands of Hamas. Israelis have persistently protested outside the Prime Minister’s office to strive for Shalit’s release by exchanging hundreds of prisoners for the soldier. However, the government thus far has refused to release the prisoners, specifically those directly involved in terror attacks on Israelis. In a new poll, two-thirds of Israelis advocate an exchange of prisoners with “blood on their hands” for the soldiers.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert strove for Shalit’s release but determined that the prisoner exchange was too steep. He urgently sought Shalit’s release prior to the end of his term because Hamas captured Shalit under Olmert’s watch. Current Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu does not embody the same responsibility for the abduction as Olmert but has stated his desire seek Shalit’s release.
Some reports recently indicated that Hamas transferred Shalit to Egypt prior to a final agreement with Israel that would include a prisoner swap. However, many Israeli officials denied the claim and expressed pessimism over Shalit’s return in the near future. Some analysts contend that Hamas’ return of Shalit would strike a blow to the militant organization for succumbing to Israeli demands on negotiations. Last year, Israel secured the release of two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah by exchanging prisoners, although the IDF received the two soldiers in body bags.
Shalit’s father, an outspoken advocate for the swap, urged Israelis to think about his son and observe a moment of silence. On Israeli radio he said,
“My request today, June 25, 2009, is for every person in the country, man and woman, young and old, to close their eyes for three minutes. Three minutes only, and to wait until these minutes are over, and in this time for everyone to try to think of what my son Gilad is going through.”
(Photo courtesy of Haaretz)