[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ON THE PASSAGE OF THE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF 
                              GILAD SHALIT

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased that the 
House passed H. Res. 1359, a resolution calling for the immediate and 
unconditional release of Israeli solider Gilad Shalit. It has been four 
long years since Gilad, then 19 years old, was kidnapped by Hamas. 
Hamas, in direct violation of international human rights law, has 
refused to allow Gilad any contact with his family, and has further 
refused to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross access to 
determine his well-being. It is a war crime for Hamas to hold Gilad 
hostage in order to compel the Israeli government to accede to Hamas' 
demands.
  Madam Speaker, the time for Hamas to release Gilad Shalit is now. 
Right now. It is simply unconscionable for Hamas to engage in such a 
vicious and cruel exercise in inhumanity. One of both Israeli and 
American societies' highest and most noble ideals is to never leave a 
soldier behind. The passage of this resolution reaffirms the United 
States commitment to continue fighting for Gilad's unconditional and 
immediate release so that he may return to his family.

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