UN, U.S., renew calls for release of Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas in 2006

UN, U.S., renew calls for release of Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas in 2006

2011-06-25 05:54:13 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations and the United States on Friday renewed the calls for the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier abducted by Hamas five years ago.

"On the fifth anniversary of the captivity of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, the Secretary-General calls for his immediate release," said Marin Nesirky, spokesperson for UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

On June 25, 2006, Shalit, a Staff Sergeant with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), was abducted by Hamas militants and has been held in captivity since. His family has been trying to have contact with him without avail.

"Nearly five years have now passed since Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel and abducted Gilad Shalit. During this time, Hamas has held him hostage without access by the International Committee of the Red Cross, in violation of the standards of basic decency and international humanitarian demands," said Jay Carney, White House Press Secretary.

The United States government strongly condemned the continued detention of the IDF soldier and called on Hamas, an organization that the U.S. designated as terrorist, to release him immediately.

Secretary-General Ban also called on Hamas to give proof that Sergeant Shalit is still alive and if so, treat him humanely and allow the IDF service member's relatives to communicate with him.

"The Secretary-General is convinced that this issue must now be resolved," added Nesirky. "The Secretary-General calls on Hamas to comply with international humanitarian law, and commends a coalition of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs for calling for his humane treatment."

The father of Shalit told the Haaretz newspaper that the Red Cross has been a 'complete failure' after Hamas officials denied its demands for providing proof that his son is still alive on Thursday.

Furthermore, Noam Shalit, Gilad's father, demanded a more active and decisive approach by the International Red Cross on the issue. Hamas demanded the release Palestinian prisoners in Israel before giving any proof of life.

"The United Nations on the ground will continue to support the conclusion of negotiation efforts to secure his release, which would also entail the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners," concluded Nesirky.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-25