Gilad Shalit's family received with mixed emotions the news of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's decision to postpone by a day the government's meeting on the deal for their son's release that was set for Monday.
"It is a little disappointing, but we've gotten used to this in the last three years," Gilad's brother, Yoel, told Ynet. "This has been going on for 995 days. This is but another day that Gilad is suffering in captivity."
Brother Yoel and mother Aviva. Optimistic but realistic (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
The Shalit family has been camped at a protest tent outside the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem for nine days. They are encouraged by the massive support exhibited by the Israeli public, but at the same time disappointed with the repeated delays in the talks.
However, they believe that Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin and the government's special envoy Ofer Dekel, who are in Cairo for talks with Hamas, will succeed in getting their son freed.
"I want to believe that they're doing everything possible and hope for the best. I'm waiting here with all the family for good news," said Yoel.
Gilad's mother, Aviva, added: "This is nerve-wracking, but we try to stay realistic and do not allow ourselves to become euphoric. We have no additional information, but I hope this (the talks in Cairo) will bring to Gilad's release."