In other news from the region, the Israeli human rights group B’Tselem is calling on Hamas to secure the release of Gilad Shalit — the Israeli soldier who was captured a year ago today. Hamas officials have said Shalit is alive and being held in proper conditions, but these claims have never been verified. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been barred from visiting him. Hamas has repeatedly demanded Israel release some of the over 10,000 Palestinians prisoners being held in Israel.