Gilad Schalit, the young Israeli soldier released by Hamas on Tuesday in exchange for one thousand Palestinian prisoners, has revealed that he is living in fear of repeat kidnap attempts, not only from Hamas, but also from groups such as Al Qaeda.
Schalit, 24, was abducted by Hamas near the Gaza-Israel border, and held captive for a little over five years. Security experts appear to agree that he was held in Egypt for the vast majority of the term.
Thousands of Palestinians, celebrating the release of one thousand Palestinians in Gaza City, appeared to quickly turn their thoughts to a further kidnapping spree.
"We got a thousand back in exchange for one Israeli," one man remarked. "You can't get odds like that at William Hill's. Or on Bet365 for that matter. The Israeli response ensures a whole new raft of attempted kidnappings. You can put your house on that!"
A close friend of Schalit's told reporters:
"It's a difficult time for Gilad. Not only is he faced with a period of massive adjustment, but he'll be looking over his shoulder for years to come. Quite frankly, he's shitting himself. I know I would be."
More as we get it.
