Israeli Cabinet demands progress on Shalit

JERUSALEM, June 11 (UPI) -- The easing of restrictions in Gaza will largely depend on progress toward the release of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, the Israeli Cabinet ruled.

Convening Wednesday just days after Israeli security forces foiled a Palestinian attack on the Gaza border, the security diplomatic Cabinet devoted the session to ways to improve the quality of life in Gaza while maintaining Israel's security interests, a Cabinet statement said.

"It was agreed that Israel views Hamas responsible for all aggressive actions against Israel from the Gaza Strip. The Cabinet instructed the Israeli army to respond to all aggressive activity against Israel from Gaza," the statement said. The Cabinet also said "the relevant authorities" have been instructed to do everything possible to bring about Shalit's release.

Ministers ruled to link any changes made at the crossings, to progress on the kidnapped soldier, whether it be in the form of permitting International Red Cross officials to meet with Shalit, who was captured June 25, 2006, or providing proof he is alive and well, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The Post said the inclusion of Shalit in the statement was meant to convey the soldier's fate is a critical element in determining Israel's policy toward Gaza.