Imminent release
October 11, 2011
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed late Tuesday that he had signed a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas to free captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
"We have concluded arduous negotiations with Hamas to release Gilad Shalit," Netanyahu said in a televised address. "He will be coming home in the next few days."
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in northern Gaza on Tuesday night to celebrate the deal that is expected to see the return of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Families of men jailed in Israel waited anxiously to see who would be on the list.
Netanyahu said he had telephoned Shalit's family and told them he was carrying out his promise to bring their son home.
Shalit was captured in a deadly cross-border raid in 2006 by militants from three Gaza-based groups. He was 19 at the time. His ordeal has captivated the whole nation - he was last seen in video footage in September 2009. His release would resolve one of the most emotive issues between the two sides.
Netanyahu thanked German mediators and Chancellor Angela Merkel for their support in Shalit's cause.
Author: Joanna Impey (AFP, dpa, Reuters)
Editor: Martin Kuebler