New Ways to Release Gilad (or: Hamas War Crimes against Gilad)

To: Jerusalem Post,   Letter Editor

Dec.16, 2008   - sent for publication

New Ways to Release Gilad (or: Hamas War Crimes against Gilad)

Sir, - Re: "Israeli Prisoner Ridiculed at Hamas Rally" (Khaled Abu Toameh) - Every normal person, certainly all Israelis wish from all their heart the release of their abducted soldier, Gilad Shalit.  Israel is ready to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for Gilad Shalit, but Hamas's demand is unreasonable, actually suicidal for Israel: 1000 prisoners released, many of them convicted murderers of civilians. Therefore there is no deal. What then can be done?

Your article revealed again the lawless cruelty of Hamas, when Gilad - who all these years has been denied by his kidnappers and keepers any visit of Red Cross or family and other elementary human rights - was humiliated in a mass rally. This was not a heated mob lynch, but a war crime organized by Hamas leadership. 

We should do more for the release of Gilad Shalit, but in new ways: NOT by speaking about his pain, his family's and nation's - what is well-known and only makes his sadistic keepers more cock-sure; BUT by declaring that Hamas commits war crimes in this case: denying Gilad any visit, Red Cross supervision and other rights - rights what Israel gives to all prisoners, even to convicted Palestinian terrorists.

We should declare always when Gilad's name arises that Hamas leaders are War Criminals. We should initiate international legal processes into this matter. Such pressure on Hamas may lead to a reasonable agreement faster than undeserved appeasement. If Hamas leaders' criminal practice continues, they deserve the same treatment what leaders of piracy received when Europe eliminated that pest.

Endre (Andre) MOZES           

chairman@takeapen.org