Parents of "Israeli" soldier held in Gaza Strip get letter from him

Source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 09-06-2008

Tel Aviv - The parents of an 'Israeli' soldier captured by militants in the Gaza Strip have received a letter from him, pleading for them to do everything possible to secure his release, 'Israeli' media reported Monday night.

The letter from Gilad Shalit was relayed through the Carter Centre, the reports said. It was the third sign of life from Shalit, after a letter released in February, and an audio recording released last year.

Shalit, an 'Israeli' army corporal, was snatched on June 25, 2006, during an early-morning cross border raid launched by three militant groups from the Gaza Strip, in a bid to secure the release of Palestinians held in 'Israeli' captivity.

Hamas, which is believed to be holding him, is demanding the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange, but efforts to secure a prisoner swap, mediated by Egypt, have so far not been realized.

'Israel' is currently demanding that Shalit be freed as part of a truce Cairo is attempting to negotiate between the Zionist state and the Gaza militant groups.