Father implores U.N. panel to release son

JERUSALEM, July 6 (UPI) -- The father of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit implored a United Nations panel examining alleged Israeli war crimes to act to secure his son's release.

"I would like to take advantage of this forum and the United Nations to talk to you directly and then address the residents of Gaza, especially those holding my son Gilad," Maariv quoted Shalit as saying in an address in Geneva Monday.

Israel has refused to cooperate with the panel led by South African Judge Richard Goldstone, doubting it will maintain an objective outlook.

The fact that his son's captors have prevented visits by International Red Cross representatives, is not only inhumane but a war crime, Shalit said, adding the panel can act to bring about Gilad's release.

"Such a move will lead to an appeasement between the sides," the paper quoted him as saying.

Addressing the residents of Gaza, Shalit said while he does not represent the government and is not involved in politics, he can neither justify nor condemn Israel's actions in Gaza.

"My son did not attack your land, he operated on land inside the state of Israel and defended what was considered a border of peace after Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Your leaders call him a prisoner of war. I call him kidnapped, " Shalit said.