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Shalit's father says son needs time

Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit talks on the phone with his family in this photo provided by by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) on October 18, 2011. Shalit was released by Hamas after five years in captivity in a swap for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. UPI/GPO/HO
1 of 2 | Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit talks on the phone with his family in this photo provided by by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) on October 18, 2011. Shalit was released by Hamas after five years in captivity in a swap for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. UPI/GPO/HO | License Photo

JERUSALEM, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Gilad Shalit's father told reporters and well-wishers they have to be patient and give his son time to recover now that he is back home in Israel.

Noam Shalit said Thursday night Gilad is in good condition considering his five years of captivity in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported. He said his son has even been able to spend time with friends and to play ping pong.

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President Shimon Peres is expected to visit the family next week.

Gilad is being treated by an Army medical team, his father told reporters.

"He needs time to recover after a long period -- nearly 2,000 days in solitary confinement without sunlight. He suffers from lack of sunlight. I hope he will recover quickly," Noam Shalit said. "I understand that there is a great desire to photograph him, but you have to be patient. He cannot meet such a large number of people at once."

A few visitors to the village of Mitzpe Hila during the Simhat Torah holiday spotted Gilad walking or riding his bicycle, the Post said.

Shalit, 25, was an Army corporal when he was captured by militants in a skirmish near the Gaza border in 2006.

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