News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) The Im Tirtzu group, along with hundreds of other activists from around the country, are expected to block the Erez, Nahal-Oz and Kerem Shalom crossings into Gaza in a protest against the continued captivity of soldier Gilad Shalit by Hamas and its allies. The groups intend to block shipments of supplies and the entrance of diplomats to the Hamas-controlled area. They say both should be suspended at least until Shalit is allowed visitors or there is a sign of life from him, if not before he is released.

The Transporters and Shipping Council requested that shippers not transport supplies to Gaza commercial crossings to show support with the actions that the Struggle for the Freedom of Gilad Shalit group is taking. Council chairman Gabi Ben-Harush stated that he hopes that the decision will help the grassroots group's efforts to secure the Shalit's release.

The soldier was captured by Hamas terrorists in a raid near Kerem Shalom nearly three years ago. Although the International Red Cross has demanded that Hamas allow Shalit to contact his family, Hamas has refused.