Release of Gilad Shalit
The Australian Government warmly welcomed Gilad Shalit's release from captivity today.
Mr Shalit was captured in a raid by the armed wing of Hamas in June 2006.
He has been held in the Gaza strip by Hamas since that time.
Gilad Shalit's captivity was as inhumane as it was unjustified.
In addition to his detention, he was deprived of the right to be in contact with his family.
Through five long years, Gilad Shalit was in the thoughts of Australians, many of whom campaigned for his release.
We wish Gilad and his family well for their reunion and for their future.
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