Press Release: Ellison Calls for Release of Israeli Solider Gilad Shalit

Statement

Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement regarding House Resolution 1359, which calls for the immediate release of Israeli solider and hostage Gilad Shalit:

I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important resolution because it calls for Gilad Shalit's immediate release and reaffirms the need for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Gilad Shalit is an Israeli soldier captured in a cross border raid on June 25, 2006 and has been held hostage in the Gaza Strip by Hamas for nearly four years.

Human rights groups have decried the fact that Shalit has been denied basic rights guaranteed by the Geneva Conventions, and I agree. He has been denied visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been prohibited from sending and receiving letters from his family, and has been forced by Hamas to partake in propaganda footage.

I have met with Gilad Shalit's parents and my thoughts and prayers go out to them every day as they struggle with the imprisonment of their son. Gilad Shalit is a human being, not a bargaining chip. He should be returned to his family immediately and without conditions.

I also call upon both sides to treat all detained individuals, both Palestinians and Israelis, in accordance with international humanitarian standards. I also call on the release all individuals who have been imprisoned unjustly.

The case of Gilat Shalit reinforces the need for the United States to recommit to bringing all the parties together to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

I am encouraged about the upcoming Proximity Talks between the Israelis and Palestinians and I look forward to working closely with the Obama Administration to nurture the seeds of peace that will promote peace in the Middle East.

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