Linda Sánchez Statement on Pending Release of Israeli Soldier (October 12 2011)

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Linda Sánchez released the following statement regarding the pending release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who has been held in captivity in the Gaza Strip for more than five years.

"It was with great joy that I heard that Staff Sergeant Shalit will be released after being held unjustly by Hamas for five years. His freedom will end a long nightmare for his family that began after he was captured during a cross-border raid.

"I salute the Shalit family's relentless efforts to secure his release and the role they played in the negotiations that will finally mean his freedom. My thoughts are with Gilad Shalit and his family. I hope that he is returned to them as soon as possible."

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