Group of Eight leaders meeting in Italy have called for the immediate release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, according to local Italian media. Shalit was kidnapped three years ago by Gaza terrorists in a raid on his base outside Gaza.
Egyptian-mediated negotiations for Shalit's release have not progressed recently. The freeze in talks has been blamed on tension between Hamas and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria; negotiations between Hamas and Fatah recently broke down.
In addition, Hamas refuses to change its demands, which include the release of all female terrorists currently imprisoned in Israel along with more than 1,000 male terrorists.
The G8 also called for Israel to open its crossings with Gaza to allow trade and travel. Currently the crossings are open to humanitarian aid and people in need of medical treatment only. Egypt has opened its crossings to Muslim pilgrims to Mecca as well.
While pressing for Gaza crossings to be opened, the G8 nations stressed that Israel should not be forced to compromise its security. Gaza terrorists frequently target crossings in attacks, and have attempted to smuggle weapons and chemicals disguised as humanitarian aid through crossings.
According to Italian news agency ANSA, leaders also called on Israel to deny construction permits to Jews living in Judea and Samaria, including those requested for “natural growth.”
Berlusconi Calls for PA 'Marshall Plan'
Earlier in the day Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi called for a “Marshall Plan” to help the Palestinian Authority. The Marshall Plan was the United States plan for rebuilding western Europe following the second World War; the plan has been credited for helping European economies flourish in the post-war decades.
Berlusconi said an “aid committee” including private organizations would work to bring the average salary in PA-controlled areas to the same level as the average salary in Israel.