The father of kidnapped IDF Staff Sgt. Gilad Shalit, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed "shock and dismay" in a statement to the media Sunday that the Palestinian Authority might ask Israel to release more terrorists in yet another "good will gesture" to PA Chairman and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas.
The family is demanding that the government desist from releasing any more prisoners as long as their son remains a hostage with Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Gilad turned 22 last Thursday, his third birthday in captivity.
The Hamas group that abducted Shalit on June 25, 2006 has demanded the release of more than 1,000 terrorists in exchange for his freedom.
"Ever since my son fell captive more than two years ago, Israel has released thousands of Palestinians as a gesture (to Abbas)," said Noam Shalit. "These gestures haven't advanced a deal for Gilad even in the least, and also increased Hamas's 'appetite' and demands.
"We oppose the release of additional prisoners in any context that is not related to (Gilad's) release – we are in favor of releasing many Palestinian prisoners, but only after my son returns home," he added.
A ministerial committee led by Vice Premier Chaim Ramon met Sunday to put together a list of 450 PA prisoners set for release, who can be placed on the list to be handed to the Egyptians for Hamas's consideration. The list includes 70 prisoners who already meet criteria for release; the committee is expected to amend its criteria in order to allow the release of those who remain.