SHOULD THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE PRISONERS FOR GILAD SHALIT?
Hamas captured Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier, on 25 June 2006 in a cross-border raid. The soldier has been held captive with no access to the Red Cross and no contact with his family. In recent weeks, media speculation has heightened that a deal could soon be brokered that could see Shalit released. The Israeli government is believed to be negotiating a prisoner swap, involving the release of up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has promised no let up in the blockade of Gaza until Shalit is released. The country is split over the release of Shalit, many of whom believe any price should be paid for the young man’s freedom.
