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War on Terror

Countdown to a deadline

Terror trio: You have until 6:00am Tuesday; Israel: We won?t negotiate; Father: Bring Gilad back alive.


By Stan Goodenough
July 03, 2006

The Arab terrorists holding 19-year-old IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit captive in the Gaza Strip issued an ultimatum Monday morning, giving Israel less than 24 hours to comply with their demands.

Israel?s government rejected the ultimatum, saying it will not negotiate with ?murderers.?

But Gilad?s auguished father pleaded with the IDF Chief of Staff to do whatever it takes to bring his son back home.

Hamas, the Popular Resistance Committees and the Army of Islam have been holding Shalit since they stormed his military base and killed two of his comrades on June 25. The killers are trying to blackmail the Israeli government into releasing 1000 Arab prisoners in exchange for their prize.

After a week during which Israel massed forces along Gaza?s northern border but held back from going into the Strip while seeking a diplomatic solution, the terrorist trio Monday threw down the gauntlet.

In a faxed message they said Israel had until 6:00 am Tuesday to comply with their demands or ?we will regard this case as closed.?

Responding, the Prime Minister?s Office in Jerusalem issued a statement flat-out rejecting the ultimatum.

?The Israeli government will not give in to blackmail by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, led by murderous terror organizations. We will hold no negotiations over the release of prisoners.?

Sending mixed signals, however, ?defense establishment officials? reportedly indicated Israel?s willingness to trade prisoners ?without blood on their hands? in exchange for Shalit.

Meanwhile Shalit?s father, Noam, pleaded with Chief of Staff Dan Halutz to ensure his son?s safe return. Afterwards he told the press:

?I asked Halutz, as the number one soldier in the IDF, to represent Gilad's interest, as he is a fighting soldier who was sent by the army. We asked him to represent Gilad's interest, that he will return home safely...?

Anxiety and anguish are wearing the family down:

?We have a bad feeling here all the time, so there are no ups and downs,? Noam said.

Egyptian officials told the Arabic newspaper al-Hayat they saw Shalit in recent days and he is alive.

Halutz cautioned, however, against getting up hopes. Efforts to secure the release of the boy could take a long time.

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