Red Cross demands Hamas provide proof Schalit is alive

ICRC: "Because there has been no sign of life from Mr. Schalit for almost two years, we are now demanding that Hamas prove that he is alive"

By REUTERS, JPOST.COM STAFF
Gilad Schalit in video 311 (R) (photo credit: Reuters)
Gilad Schalit in video 311 (R)
(photo credit: Reuters)
The International Committee of the Red Cross called upon Hamas on Thursday to provide proof that IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists nearly five years ago, is alive.
The independent humanitarian organization, in an unusual public appeal, said that his family had a right under international humanitarian law to be in contact with their 24-year-old son, held incommunicado since June 25, 2006.
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"Because there has been no sign of life from Mr. Schalit for almost two years, the ICRC is now demanding that Hamas prove that he is alive," the Red Cross said.
A week ago, dozens of people protested in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross offices in Tel Aviv demanding the release of Schalit on Thursday.
The demonstrators demanded the organization put pressure on Hamas, and to show signs of life from the kidnapped soldier.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu put out a video statement saying that meeting Hamas's demands for the release of Schalit would endanger Israelis.
"We are dealing with a cruel enemy that has held Gilad for five years, and even now has not allowed even the Red Cross to visit him.
“They are demanding terms that would endanger hundreds of Israelis. I want to bring Gilad home, I am ready to [do so] by various means, but I also have to worry about your security, and that of your children and the citizens of Israel,” said Netanyahu.


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