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18 October 2011

Gilad Shalit’s release: in pictures

Prisoner swap deal between Israel and Palestine gets underway.

By Samira Shackle

Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier imprisoned by Hamas militants in 2006, has been handed over to Egyptian mediators after being held in Gaza for five years. He will then be transferred to the Kerem Shalom crossing between Egypt and Israel.

To secure the 25 year old’s release, Israel has agreed to free more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel. The first 477 are being released today, with a further 550 freed at a later date.

While Shalit is undergoing medical tests before being taken back to Israel, these 477 prisoners are being driven to Israel, destined either for return to Gaza or exile abroad. Hamas is preparing a hero’s welcome for the 295 prisoners returning to Gaza.

Israeli families of victims of terrorist attacks appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court to delay the swap, but the bid was rejected.

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  1. World
  2. Middle East
18 October 2011updated 26 Sep 2015 10:01pm

Gilad Shalit’s release: in pictures

Prisoner swap deal between Israel and Palestine gets underway.

By Samira Shackle

Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier imprisoned by Hamas militants in 2006, has been handed over to Egyptian mediators after being held in Gaza for five years. He will then be transferred to the Kerem Shalom crossing between Egypt and Israel.

To secure the 25 year old’s release, Israel has agreed to free more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel. The first 477 are being released today, with a further 550 freed at a later date.

While Shalit is undergoing medical tests before being taken back to Israel, these 477 prisoners are being driven to Israel, destined either for return to Gaza or exile abroad. Hamas is preparing a hero’s welcome for the 295 prisoners returning to Gaza.

Israeli families of victims of terrorist attacks appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court to delay the swap, but the bid was rejected.

Content from our partners
Energy storage must not be overlooked on the road to net zero 
Mental health: The productivity puzzle
Resilience starts with design and disclosure

Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month