Shalit Protest Blocks Gaza Road

Protestors demonstrating for the release of kidnapped IDF St. Sgt. Gilad Shalit, held captive in Gaza, began blocking the Kerem Shalom crossing into the region Sunday morning.

Shalit was abducted by Hamas terrorists on an IDF army base near the crossing in a cross-border raid from Gaza in June 2006. Despite repeated attempts by Egyptian and other international parties to negotiate a prisoner swap for his release, Hamas terrorists have refused to return him.

Dozens of protestors began blocking the crossing in the wee hours of the morning near the spot where Shalit was kidnapped, preventing trucks laden with humanitarian supplies, foodstuffs and other goods from entering Gaza.

Thousands more are streaming to the site from around the country, according to organizers, who have been preparing for the solidarity event for weeks.

"We blocked the entrance [to Gaza] and we're burning tires to make it clear to the world that we can't transfer money and food to the Palestiniaans without receiving even a tiny piece of information about Gilad," said one of the organizers.

The goal, said Kibbutz Movement spokesman Yoel Marshak, is to "make it clear to Hamas and the Red Cross that it's unacceptable to see good and money and food being sent across when we don't even know if Gilad Shalit is alive. The other side needs to understand that we can't do this any longer without knowing anything about Gilad."

Signs reading "Gilad is still alive," were brandished by the demonstrators, who said they were protesting the fact that Hamas has released no information on Shalit's condition. International Red Cross Association representatives have been given no access to the IDF soldier to ascertain his condition since he was kidnapped.

A convoy of vehicles escorted by an honor guard of some 60 ultra-light aircraft flown by ex-IAF pilots is expected to arrive at the site for a massive rally by mid-afternoon. Speakers will include Shalit's father, Noam, as well as a number of Knesset members.

Appeal From Jewish to Gaza Arab Parents

Organizers said a letter written by the parents of Shalit's hometown, Mitzpe Hila, will be sent to Gaza parents during the rally.

Marshak said that activists would clear the road if drivers bringing food to Gaza would also bring letters to the families of terrorists imprisoned in Israel, calling on them to pressure their leaders to return Shalit in exchange for terrorist prisoners.

"We understand your pain as parents whose sons, those who are most precious to them, are being held on our side," reads the letter. "We promise, for our part at least, to do as much as we can to try and influence our leadership in the hopes that you will do the same."