Statement by British PM David Cameron on Release of Gilad Shalit

(October 18, 2011)

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.