Gaza paper refuses to run Shalit ad

JERUSALEM, June 25 (UPI) -- A newspaper in Gaza refused to publish an advertisement solicited by a human rights group calling for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Ynetnews.com reported Thursday B'Tselem, the human rights group known for its extensive work and support for Palestinians in the West Bank, succeeded in publishing the advertisement in the leading Palestinian newspaper al-Quds, widely distributed in the West Bank.

Attempts by the organization to have the advertisement published in the Gaza paper Palestine failed.

"We were unsuccessful in publishing the ad in Gaza. We approached the Palestine paper, they refused, without any explanation. We realize the issue is problematic for them," a spokeswoman for the organization told the Web site.

The site said B'Tselem for more than 20 years has fought for the rights of Palestinians living in the West Bank and has waged a constant battle to lift the siege in Gaza. It also has fought for the rights of Palestinian detainees in Israel.

"B'Tselem organization whose existence is to ensure the rights of people living in the occupied Territories are maintained, regardless of nationality or religion, calls for the release of Gilad Shalit and all the Palestinian detainees held unjustly. Until his release he is entitled to all the rights of a prisoner," the organization said in a statement.