Record #: R2011-693   
Type: Resolution Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 6/8/2011 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Human Relations
Final action: 5/20/2015
Title: Call for immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held captive by Hamas
Sponsors: Silverstein, Debra L.
Attachments: 1. R2011-693.pdf
Related files: R2015-407
A Resolution Calling for the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Israeli Soldier Gilad Shalit Held Captive by Hamas
WHEREAS, Congress previously expressed its concern for missing Israeli soldiers in Public Law 106-89 (113 Stat. 1305; November 8, 1999), which required the Secretary of State to raise the status of missing Israeli soldiers with appropriate government officials of Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, and other governments in the region, and to submit to Congress reports on those efforts and any subsequent discovery of relevant information;
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives passed H. Res. 107 on March 13, 2007, regarding Gilad Shalit and other Israeli soldiers illegally attacked and captured by terrorists;
WHEREAS, Israel completed its withdrawal from Gaza on September 12, 2005;
WHEREAS, on June 25, 2006, contrary to international humanitarian law and the most basic standards of human conduct, Hamas together with allied terrorists crossed into Israel to attack a military post, killing two soldiers and wounding and kidnapping Gilad Shalit in an illegal effort to coerce the Government of Israel;
WHEREAS, contrary to international humanitarian law and the most basic standards of human conduct, Hamas has failed to provide Gilad Shalit humane treatment, has refused to allow him contact with his family or any other party, has compelled him to appear in video and voice recordings intended to illegally coerce the Government of Israel; and
WHEREAS, Gilad Shalit has been held in captivity by Hamas for almost four years;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 8th day of June, 2011 A.D. do hereby request the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit; and request prompt access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. We also demand humane treatment for Gilad Shalit and order Hamas to facilitate regular communication by Gilad Shalit with his family and allow his family to know where he is being held; and cease to compel Gilad Shalit to appear in video and voice recordings intended to illegally coerce the Government of Israel.