Israel welcomed the decision of the European Parliament demanding the Hamas immediately release kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit and meanwhile to grant him all the rights it is obligated to give him under the Geneva Convention including doctor visits and continuous contact with his parents.

"This is a clear moral resolution calling for an end to the painful issue of the holding of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit against all accepted international norms. Israel calls the international community to keep pressure on Hamas to achieve Shalit's immediate release.”