ICRC demands Hamas provide proof Shalit is alive

[oberliner]

(Reuters) - The Red Cross called on Hamas on Thursday to provide proof that Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, captured by Palestinian militants nearly five years ago, is alive.

The independent aid agency, in an unusual public appeal, said that his family had a right under international humanitarian law to be in contact with their 24-year-old son, held incommunicado since June 25, 2006.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/23/palestinians-israel-idUSLDE75M0HU20110623

[oberliner]

1. Hamas rejects Red Cross demand to prove Shalit is alive

The International Red Cross on Thursday urged Hamas to provide proof that abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit is still alive, a request which the Islamist group quickly dismissed.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters in Gaza "The Red Cross should not get involved in Israeli security games aimed at reaching Shalit. It should take a stand that results in ending the suffering of Palestinian prisoners."

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-rejects-red-cross-demand-to-prove-shalit-is-alive-1.369250

[sabbat hunter]

2. since they refuse to show that he is still alive

is it safe to assume that he has died?

[oberliner]

3. Don't know about that

He is a pretty valuable bargaining chip for Hamas.

[sabbat hunter]

4. he is valuable dead or alive

Since it is important to many jews to have the body back for proper burial.

[oberliner]

5. Good point

Not sure they would get the 1000+ prisoners they are seeking though just for his remains.

[pelsar]

6. hamas has learned from hizballa....

whether gilad is dead or alive we wont know until either the deal has been sealed or after a rescue attempt....hizballa methodology works well