Hundreds Rally Near Gaza, Calling to Release Shalit
Media Line News Agency
October 29, 2008
Hundreds of Israelis are rallying at the Kerem Shalom cargo crossing near the Gaza Strip, protesting against the Israeli government for failing to secure the release of Gilad Shalit, a soldier who was kidnapped 847 days ago.
For three hours, between 7:00 and 10:00 on Sunday morning, the protestors did not allow trucks to enter the cargo crossing. "We know most of the cargo that enters through Kerem Shalom is for humanitarian causes, but we ask: 'Is keeping Shalit for almost three years in a dark basement humanitarian?'" said Tzahi Leon, the rally organizer.
According to Leon, the message the rally aims to convey is one of responsibility and obligation toward soldiers, who are sent on behalf of the government on military missions. "We are obligated to Shalit, and the cost for releasing him is not even relevant. No price is unreasonable," said Leon.
Recent reports have indicated that Israel has agreed to Hamas' demands to release 1,000 prisoners, including many who killed Israelis, in return for Shalit´s release. The unconfirmed reports added that the new Israeli government, once established, would approve the release of the 450 prisoners on Hamas' list, while phase B would include the release of 550 further prisoners, whose identities would be decided by Israel.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense denied these reports. Defense Minister Ehud Barak criticized the protestors at Kerem Shalom, saying the rally might "send the other side signals that may cause it to raise the price [for Shalit's release]."
In response Leon said Barak should ask himself "how come he was not able to bring Shalit home several months ago, when the price was considerably lower."
For three hours, between 7:00 and 10:00 on Sunday morning, the protestors did not allow trucks to enter the cargo crossing. "We know most of the cargo that enters through Kerem Shalom is for humanitarian causes, but we ask: 'Is keeping Shalit for almost three years in a dark basement humanitarian?'" said Tzahi Leon, the rally organizer.
According to Leon, the message the rally aims to convey is one of responsibility and obligation toward soldiers, who are sent on behalf of the government on military missions. "We are obligated to Shalit, and the cost for releasing him is not even relevant. No price is unreasonable," said Leon.
Recent reports have indicated that Israel has agreed to Hamas' demands to release 1,000 prisoners, including many who killed Israelis, in return for Shalit´s release. The unconfirmed reports added that the new Israeli government, once established, would approve the release of the 450 prisoners on Hamas' list, while phase B would include the release of 550 further prisoners, whose identities would be decided by Israel.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense denied these reports. Defense Minister Ehud Barak criticized the protestors at Kerem Shalom, saying the rally might "send the other side signals that may cause it to raise the price [for Shalit's release]."
In response Leon said Barak should ask himself "how come he was not able to bring Shalit home several months ago, when the price was considerably lower."