Schalit family: 'We see no light at end of tunnel'

Schalit family does not

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Noam Schalit, father of abducted soldier Gilad Schalit, seemed somewhat encouraged after meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris on Thursday evening. He said he considers the recent proof that his son is alive as a breakthrough, but does not foresee Gilad's imminent release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. "The president reiterated his commitment and absolute dedication to the case," Schalit said after the meeting with Sarkozy. "He is acting relentlessly and incessantly for Gilad's release." Earlier on Thursday, he told AFP that the Schalit family does not see light at the end of the tunnel. Although the recent video-tape-for-female-security-prisoners deal was "a step in the right direction," it was "no breakthrough," he said. Schalit also referred to the Israeli government's efforts to release his son, commending Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on "increased activity" during his time in office, and criticizing former prime minister Ehud Olmert for issuing "statements without results."