Following Friday’s release by Israel of 19 female terrorists from prison, Hamas Damascus-based leader Khalid Meshal announced “we will abduct another Shalit and another Shalit until there are no additional prisoners in Israel,” making his organization’s intentions clear – the continued kidnapping of soldiers to use as bargaining chips towards obtaining the release of imprisoned terrorists. Opponents of agreements such as Friday’s video deal insist this is the main result, encouraging terrorists to step-up efforts to abduct soldiers and civilians.

The prisoners released on Friday received a hero’s welcome in Gaza and Ramallah, hailed for their determination in the struggle against Israel. The latest Israeli concessions, to obtain a video of Gilad, are viewed as a sign of weakness by the haters of Israel determined to deliver the destruction of the Jewish state.

While the verification that Shalit is alive after a fourth Sukkot in captivity, many feel the price paid will only increase Hamas demands for future deals. Regarding a deal for Shalit’s release, Hamas officials continue releasing the same message, one of inflexibility, demanding Israel release all the names appearing on the organization’s list, stating even if Shalit it held for another 20 years, there will be no compromise.

Shortly after the authenticity of the video was confirmed on Friday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated the video attesting to the fact that Shalit is alive and healthy is encouraging.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)