Gaza: Portrait of Shalit in 30 years
During protest calling for release of Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel – Hamas depicts cruel image of what will happen to captive soldier unless deal finalized
Protestors in the Gaza Strip's Jabaliya refugee camp demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails on Wednesday.
Several of the protestors painted the portrait of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 30 years time, a warning that this will be his fate unless the prisoner exchange deal goes through. Shalit was kidnapped by Hamas in a cross-border raid in June 2006.
Photo: AFP
The aged image of Shalit was painted next to one of him 'now,' cowering in a cell. On a nearby wall the protestors added the image of MIA navigator Ron Arad.
This is not the first time Hamas operatives have chosen to evoke Shalit's image as an emotional weapon, perhaps to garner support amongst Gazans and shock public opinion in Israel.
Last December hundreds of Hamas supporters took part in a march through Gaza's streets, one operative took to the stage dressed up as Shalit, and begged to be released. Speaking in Hebrew, the 'actor' then said he longed for his parents.
