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Israel Will Free 20 Palestinian Prisoners for Video of Soldier

Hamas says footage proves Shalit is alive

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 30, 2009 11:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – Israel will release 20 Palestinian women from jail in exchange for a video from Hamas proving that a young soldier captured three years ago is alive. The swap is expected to take place Friday and will lead to further negotiations for the release of Gilad Shalit, now 23, who was seized by Hamas militants in 2006. Shalit's family praised the breakthrough but said it's only a "first step in the right direction to sign a deal for Gilad's release," notes Haaretz. The family "will not rest or be silent until they see Gilad back home."

A portrait of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is unveiled at the entrance of the 16th district city hall in Paris in 2008.
A portrait of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is unveiled at the entrance of the 16th district city hall in Paris in 2008.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
This undated photo provided by the Shalit family shows Israeli soldier Cpl. Gilad Schalit.
This undated photo provided by the Shalit family shows Israeli soldier Cpl. Gilad Schalit.   (AP Photo/HO-File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
RockyPneumonia
Oct 1, 2009 12:38 PM CDT
He was "stupid" enough to be standing guard -- as ordered -- and to be overwhelmed by superior forces?
Spudsy
Sep 30, 2009 10:14 AM CDT
This is going to set a really bad precedent in an already troubled land. At best, this deal should have been done secretly and the tape released as a "humanitarian" gesture by the Pals. Israel will only increase the value of a living Israeli to any Pali with a relative in Israeli prison.
Stuart
Sep 30, 2009 7:45 AM CDT
Funny how the UN, that paragon of virtue, that esteemed holder of morality, can issue a condemnation of Israel for what it alleges as war crimes and yet remains silent on what the Geneva Convention DEFINES as a Crime Against Humanity - ie the holding of a hostage without any access to outside visitation. Hmmm - wonder why.

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