The parents of an Israeli soldier held by Hamas-allied elements petitioned Israel's supreme court Saturday to block a calm deal with the resistance group so long as their son remains in captivity. Noam and Aviva Schalit petitioned the court on behalf of their son Gilad, claiming that part of the deal included opening the Gaza Strip's crossings. They said this would allow their son's captors to smuggle him out and harm efforts to release him, the AP reported.
As part of their petition, the parents published a handwritten letter, penned by their son, which was delivered to the family two weeks ago by representatives of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Gilad Schalit was captured near the Gaza Strip border two years ago.
In the latest letter, dated "June 2008," Schalit wrote his parents that he is suffering from medical and psychological difficulties, as well as depression. "I still think and dream about the day I will be released and see you again. I still have a hope that that day is near, but I know it does not depend on me or on you," he wrote. "I ask the government not to neglect the negotiations for my release."
Hamas handed the letter over as part of a promise its leader, Khaled Mashaal, gave Carter during a meeting in Damascus in April.
In the petition, Schalit's parents claim they interpret the last sentence as their son's wish for them to act on his behalf. Gilad Schalit's name is included on the petition, filed against the government of Israel, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
