Mr. Noam Shalit told security officials that the handwriting of the letter received from Hamas is indeed that of his son.

The Shalits received another letter from Hamas as was promised to former US President Jimmy Carter during his meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Meshal.

In the letter, Gilad, who is in captivity almost two years, writes he is in poor health and he calls on Israel to bring him home and for the government not to abandon him.

Mr. Shalit did not wish to reveal more of the letter, stating that on the 25th of June, the second anniversary of Gilad’s abduction; he will say what needs to be said at the gathering marking the day.

Senior Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday morning that the letter given to the Shalits on Monday afternoon was the result of increasing pressure on Hamas by the international community.

He added that Hamas is not seeking a major IDF incursion into Gaza, and will do much to avoid such a reality which at present will significantly harm Hamas’ interests in Gaza.

Regarding negotiations towards obtaining Shalit’s release, Gilad stated that progress can only be measured by Gilad Shalit returning home. Everything short of this is not significant.

Regarding talks with Hamas, Gilad stated that Israel is not negotiating with Hamas, explaining Egypt is however playing an important role as an intermediary with Israel and the terror organization. Gilad added that progress in this area can only be measured by a cessation of Hamas rocket attacks from Gaza, which at present is not a reality.  (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)