(Image source: The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity)
BY STEVEN SPARKMAN
You're watching multisource politics video news analysis from Newsy.
No progress -- no prisoner exchange.
That’s the stance between Israel and Hamas -- over a soldier taken hostage.
Five years ago, Hamas carried out a cross-border raid, killing two Israeli soldiers and taking a third prisoner. That prisoner, Gilad Shalit, has been held captive ever since. His family hasn’t been allowed any contact, and negotiations between Hamas and the Israeli government have been unsuccessful.
Last year’s anniversary saw the start of a public vigil near Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s home. Shalit’s family say they will maintain the vigil until Shalit is released. France 24 reports:
“These volunteers are convinced that support is growing for a deal, but that the political will to implement it is lacking. A recent poll shows that 63% of Israeli Jews are in favor of releasing 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those requested by Hamas, in exchange for Gilad Shalit.”
This week, the International Committee of the Red Cross called on Hamas to prove Shalit is still alive. Hamas refused.
The last time Shalit’s family was given proof of life was in late 2009. Hamas traded a video of Shalit for the release of 20 Palestinian women from Israeli jails.
“The two-minute video showed Gilad Shalit reading a statement in Hebrew. He appeared to be healthy and coherent, and even seemed to smile. The 23-year-old was shown holding an Arabic-language newspaper, dated September the 14th.” (Video source: The Telegraph)
Opinions in Israel are sharply divided on how much the government should give to secure Shalit’s release. Recent polls show 22% think Hamas’s demands are too high. Haaretz reports on the Prime Minister’s hesitancy.
“Netanyahu has said he is committed to seeking Shalit's release. But his rightist government balks at meeting Hamas' demands to free hundreds of prisoners, among them men convicted of lethal attacks, calling it too great a security risk.”
Protests to mark the anniversary will take place across Israel, in an effort to pressure the Israeli government to accept Hamas’s deal. Ynetnews details the largest protest.
“The main event will take place at [United] Studios, Israel’s largest TV production facilities, where -- for 24 hours -- dozens of prominent Israeli figures will take turns spending one hour in solitary confinement, a special ‘dungeon’ built on the premises, as a sign of solidarity with the Hamas-held soldier.”
Shalit was just 19 when he was captured.
Transcript by Newsy.
