Foreign Secretary calls for Gilad Shalit’s immediate release
Speaking ahead of the fifth anniversary of the kidnap, Foreign Secretary William Hague called for the release of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit.
The Foreign Secretary said:
“On the fifth anniversary of the kidnap of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, we remember his family and call again for his immediate release. For five years Gilad Shalit’s parents Noam and Aviva have been waiting for his return and praying that each day should be the last day of his captivity. It is unacceptable that Gilad Shalit is being held by Hamas without any access to the Red Cross”.
“Hamas must immediately allow a representative of the Red Cross to visit him. The last sign of life was received on 2 October 2009. Gilad Shalit’s family have been waiting for almost two years for another such message. It is difficult to imagine the pain and anguish they must feel. My thoughts are very much with Gilad and his family on this day. I call again for Hamas to release Gilad Shalit immediately and unconditionally”.