Captured soldier’s health is ‘failing’

HAMAS militants posted an audio message yesterday from an Israeli soldier captured a year ago at an army base near the Gaza Strip, the first sign of life from the young serviceman since he was seized.

In the message, posted on the website of Hamas’ military wing, Corporal Gilad Shalit, 20, sent greetings to his family and said his health was failing.

He also expressed disappointment in the “lack of interest” of the Israeli government in his fate.

“I have spent a full year in prison, and my health is still deteriorating, and I need a prolonged hospitalisation,” he said.

“I regret the lack of interest on the part of the Israeli government and the Israeli defence forces in my case and their refusal to meet the demands of the al-Qassam brigades,” he added.

Mr Shalit was captured on June 25, 2006 in a cross-border raid by militants from Hamas and two allied groups who tunnelled into Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Negotiations for his release, mediated by Egypt, have repeatedly broken down and have been complicated since Hamas took control of Gaza two weeks ago.

The Israeli human rights group B’tselem accused the captors of war crimes, noting their refusal to allow Red Cross workers to visit Mr Shalit.

Mr Shalit’s father Noam said it appeared the statement by his son was coerced.