Mr. Noam Shalit, the father of captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, has turned the focus of his latest effort on his son’s behalf to Amnesty International, commenting on the organization’s criticism of Hamas’ response to the Goldstone Report.

Shalit turned to the international human rights organization, requesting assistance towards obtaining the release of his son, stating Hamas makes no mention of his son’s captivity, citing Justice Goldstone ignores his son’s plight as well.

Mr. Shalit remained silent for an extended period of time, but of late, he and his wife Aviva expressed fears that if the current window of opportunity to reach an agreement with Hamas via the German mediator is unsuccessful, they fear it will spell a “death sentence” for Gilad chas v’sholom.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is his recent visit to Moscow told Russian President Medvedev that Israel’s last response was Jerusalem’s final offer, and his administration would not exhibit additional flexibility regarding Hamas demands for the release of terrorists.

Hamas officials in Gaza and Damascus have stated they are unwilling to exhibit flexibility, and if Netanyahu does not agree to Hamas’ entire list, Shalit will remain in custody, “for 20 years if need be”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)