[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1233-E1234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CALLING FOR RELEASE OF ISRAELI SOLDIER BY HAMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2010

  Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
1359, which calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Gilad 
Shalit and other Israeli soldiers who are being held illegally by 
terrorist organizations. On June 25, 2006, Hamas terrorists based in 
Gaza led an illegal raid into Israel, where they attacked a military 
post and killed two Israeli soldiers before kidnapping then-corporal 
Gilad Shalit. Since then, Hamas has held Mr. Shalit without access to 
medical treatment, legal counsel, or humanitarian organizations. For 4 
years, Mr. Shalit has been kept from his family, which has had to watch 
helplessly as Hamas cynically exploited videos of their loved one.
  As I have said many times before, only a just, permanent, and 
peaceful settlement between Israelis and Palestinians can ensure the 
security and welfare of both peoples. The way forward in the Middle 
East will require compromises by all parties, but certain things are 
nonnegotiable. Hamas must end terrorist activities, renounce violence, 
and recognize Israel. Human rights and international humanitarian law 
must be respected by all, and Hamas bears the responsibility to meet 
this standard by immediately and unconditionally releasing Gilad 
Shalit. I stand firmly with his family and all Israelis who continue to 
suffer until justice is done.

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