Politics & Government

Ellison Report: Pens Plea to Hamas for Soldier's Release

Fridley's representative joins other Muslims in appeal to militant group.

and a group of "high profile U.S. Muslims" recently sent a letter to Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal urging him to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who has been held captive since 2006, according to a Tuesday Star Tribune article.

The letter is a direct plea to Hamas:

"Hamas' inhumane detention of Shalit undermines the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations for human rights and a state of their own," the letter said. "We believe Hamas' harsh treatment and five-year detention of Shalit is wrong."

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The letter coalition was made up of 11 Muslim leaders, including the two Muslim members of Congress, Ellison and Indiana Rep. Andre Carson, as well as former Pakistani Ambassador Akbar Ahmed and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf. Ellison, who as many know was the first Muslim elected to Congress, told the Star Tribune that he hopes the letter will make a difference.

"It just seemed like a humane, decent thing to do," Ellison said of sending the letter. "I don't think [Shalit's captivity is] helping the Palestinian people get a state, which I earnestly pray that they get. I think it hardens Israeli hearts and makes it more difficult to move the ball."

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Hamas has said it will only release Shalit as a prisioner exchange. Shalit's imprisonment has been a major roadblock in peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, who have been working to resolve the conflict for many years. Another Star Tribune article from Tuesday, said that Israel media reported that Mashal was headed to Cairo this weekend to discuss an exchange to release Shilat.


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