Corporal Gilad Shalit, Mitzpeh Hila, aged 19, was wounded and abducted by Hamas from inside Israel's border with the Gaza Strip early on 25th June 2006.

The Hamas military wing is controlled from Syria by Haled Mashal and enjoys Iranian support and weapons. The terrorist access route was through an escape tunnel dug underneath the border fence, but the escape with the injured Israeli soldier was through a breach of the fence. Reports indicate that Gilad received initial medical treatment and initial reports said that he was alive, while Hamas demanded the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for his freedom.

Gilad was assumed to be held somewhere towards the Rafiah border with Egypt, in an attempt to smuggle him across and into distant captivity, possibly under Hizbullah auspices, but there is no confirmation. It has been weeks since further news was received. Israel's campaign in Gaza is also focused on preventing Gilad being smuggled out of the Gaza Strip.

Gilad is the son of Noam and Aviva Shalit and is currently serving in the IDF. He has an older brother and a younger sister.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2248285,00.html