Hamas releases audio of captured “Israeli” soldier

Source: AP, 26-6-2007
Hamas-linked militants holding "Israeli" soldier Gilad Shalit in the Gaza Strip released a recording of him Monday, exactly one year after capturing him in an occupation-resistance clash. Following is the text of the soldier`s message:
"I am Gilad, son of Noam Shalit.
"Mother and father, my sister and brother, my friends in the ‘Israeli' Military: I send you my greetings from inside prison, and I miss you all. I have spent a full year in prison, and my health is still deteriorating, and I need prolonged hospitalization. I regret the lack of interest on the part of the ‘Israeli' government and the ‘Israeli' Military in my case, and their refusal to meet the demands of the al-Qassam brigades.
"It is clear that they have to meet these demands in order to allow me to be freed from jail, especially since I was in a military operation, under military orders, and was not a drug dealer.
"Just as I have parents, a mother and father, the thousands of Palestinian prisoners have mothers and fathers to whom their sons must be returned.
"I have a great hope from my government that it show more interest in me and meet the demands of the mujahideen (holy warriors). Corporal Gilad Shalit."
GAZA CITY - Shalit was captured on June 25, 2006, by militants from Hamas and two allied groups who tunneled into "Israel" from the Gaza Strip. Negotiations for his release, mediated by Egypt, have repeatedly broken down and been complicated since Hamas took control of Gaza two weeks ago.
In the tape, Shalit called on the "Israeli" government to meet Palestinian demands for a large-scale prisoner swap.
"Just as I have parents, a mother and father, the thousands of Palestinian prisoners have mothers and fathers to whom their sons must be returned," he said. "I have a great hope from my government that it show more interest in me and meet the demands of the mujahideen (captors)."
Before Monday, Shalit, 20, had not been seen or heard from since he was captured, though there have been reports that a letter was sent to his family. The website did not say when the tape was made or include video of Shalit. But the recording - accompanied by a photo of Shalit and footage of Hamas militants and images of last year`s attack - appeared to be authentic. The recording also was played on Hamas` Al Aqsa TV station in Gaza.