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Prime Minister Cameron welcomes release of Gilad Shalit

UK Prime Minister said today regarding Gilad Shalit's return to Israel and to his family:

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

“I know that people across Britain will share in the joy and relief felt by Gilad Shalit and his family today. I can only imagine the heartache of the last five years, and I am full of admiration for the courage and fortitude which Sergeant Shalit and his family have shown through his long cruel and unjustified captivity. I congratulate Prime Minister Netanyahu and everyone involved for bringing him home safely, and hope this prisoner exchange will bring peace a step closer.

“Britain will continue to stand by Israel in defeating terrorism. We remain strongly committed to the cause of peace in the Middle East - with Israel and a Palestinian state living side by side in security. We will continue to work for direct negotiations to achieve that end.”

Published 18 October 2011