
About two weeks ago, Israel finally realized former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon dream for the Unilateral Engagement.
For over five years the only Israeli that remained inside the Gaza Strip was Gilad Shalit, held as a prisoner of Hamas. For the entirety of his imprisonment only one video and one audio recording were released of him.
Although he was not physically tortured during captivity, his captors refused to allow the Red Cross or any other international health group access to him.
Upon his release, Gilad Shalit was extremely mal-nourished and had severe sun-deprevation.
The IDF has always maintained that no soldier is left behind. Ever.
The IDF really came through on this respect that for over fives years they never gave up trying to free Gilad Shalit. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stepped up and decided that Gilad Shalit must be released at all costs. Following his declaration, Gilad Shalit was released in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, the majority of which are known and convicted terrorists.
Now try to tell me Israel is inhumane and cruel.