Hastings Welcomes the Release of Israeli Soldier Gilad Shalit

Statement

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) made the following statement welcoming the release of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit on October 18, 2011:

"Today, the world is rejoicing the release of Gilad Shalit. The abduction of Sergeant Shalit by the militant group Hamas was a horrific act of aggression. He was 19 years old at the time, and efforts to end his prolonged incarceration in Gaza have become an emotional cause for the people of Israel and the international community.

"It has been five long years. And yet, Gilad did not give up. He has demonstrated an unwavering and determined will, provided inspiration, and garnered support from the world. I am humbled by his courage and share this joyous occasion with Gilad's parents who never gave up hope that one day they would see their son again.

"As we celebrate Sergeant Shalit's freedom, we must do so with a heavy heart. Throughout the past five years, Hamas, in direct violation of international human rights law, refused to allow Gilad any contact with his family, and further refused to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have access to him. I pray that this indefensible act by Hamas never happens again.

"I also would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to the Egyptian and German governments for helping to broker this landmark deal.

"I stand firmly in solidarity with Gilad Shalit, his family, and the people of Israel in support of human rights and call for an end to Hamas's war crime tactics of holding soldiers hostage in order to compel the Israeli government to accede to their demands."

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