Statement of Susan Kone on Fifth Anniversary of Gilad Shalit’s Birthday In Captivity

Statement of Susan Kone on Fifth Anniversary of Gilad Shalit’s Birthday In Captivity
August 28, 2010

Congressional candidate Susan Kone (Republican, NY8) called today for “the immediate and unconditional release” of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was captured by the terrorist group Hamas in a cross -border raid on June 25, 2006. Today marks Shalit’s 24th birthday, his fifth in captivity. Kone stated:

"The thoughts and prayers of many New Yorkers and many Americans are with Gilad Shalit and his family as he spends his 24th birthday in captivity. His detention is unjustifiable and unacceptable. We demand his immediate and unconditional release".

Hamas has refused requests from the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit Shalit and several human rights organizations have stated that the terms and conditions of Shalit’s detention are contrary to international humanitarian law.

Designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and many other nations, Hamas has used Shalit’s captivity for propaganda. In exchange for Shalit’s freedom, Hamas is demanding that Israel release hundreds Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted on charges of terrorism. Hamas has rejected all international efforts to secure Shalit's return to Israel.