Gilad Shalit’s five years in captivity

On the eve of the unhappy fifth anniversary of Gilad Shalit’s captivity, I want to repeat that the situation of our compatriot, detained in defiance of the most fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, is unacceptable. It is also unparalleled: Gilad Shalit is today the French hostage who has spent the longest time in captivity.

France does not forget Gilad Shalit. We’re rallying our partners and unstintingly continuing our action to secure his release, in coordination with the other ongoing mediation efforts. We pass every useful message on to our partners in the region. We continue to demand that the International Committee of the Red Cross be granted access [to Gilad Shalit], in accordance with international law.

We are convinced that the new situation resulting from inter-Palestinian reconciliation must be turned to good account in order to redouble efforts.

For Gilad Shalit, there’s no Arab Spring: the wind of freedom blowing over the region hasn’t reached him. No one can be indifferent to the tragedy his family and close friends have lived through for nearly five years now.

Particularly in my thoughts today are Noam and Aviva Shalit, whom I met a few days ago in the tent they have put up in Jerusalem, and whose dignity in this ordeal commands admiration./.