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Released soldier Shalit in ‘good’ health: Israel

JERUSALEM — Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, released after more than five years in Hamas captivity, is in ‘good and satisfactory’ health, chief army spokesman Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai said on Tuesday.

‘According to an initial medical examination, we can say that Gilad Shalit is in good and satisfactory condition,’ he told a press conference at the Kerem Shalom border crossing.

‘In addition, there was a moving phone call between Gilad Shalit and his family,’ Mordechai added.

Shalit is now being taking to the Tel Nof air force base near Tel Aviv, where he will meet his parents for the first time since his June 25, 2006 capture.

He will also be greeted by Israel’s prime minister, defence minister and army chief.

‘Parallel to Shalit’s arrival, the process of releasing prisoners continues, according to the governmental decision,’ Mordechai said in reference to the release of 477 Palestinian detainees on Tuesday, as part of the landmark deal under which Shalit is being freed.

Shortly before Mordechai’s announcement, Egyptian television aired the first interview with Shalit since his release.

‘I feel like I am in good health,’ Shalit said in Hebrew through an interpreter. ‘I hope this deal helps achieve peace between both sides, Israel and the Palestinians.’

Wearing a checkered shirt and smiling occasionally, Shalit took short breaths as he thanked all those who worked for his release.

‘I think the Egyptians succeeded (in achieving the deal) because of their good relations with Hamas and the Israeli side. These good relations helped complete the deal,’ he said.

Shalit was captured by three Gaza-based militant groups in 2006, and his return to Israel was secured under a deal that will see Israeli release 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, including 477 Tuesday.

The swap agreement, which was signed between Israel and Hamas last week, is the highest price ever paid by Israel for the release of one person.

Shalit’s return also marks the first time in 26 years that a captured soldier has been brought back alive to the Jewish state.