NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, read details under "Background" below, and watch the videos under "Resources."

1.  When/how was Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit taken prisoner by Hamas terrorists?

2.  a) How did Schalit appear upon his release?
b)  Compare the physical appearance of Schalit with that of the Palestinians released from Israeli jails.  (Watch the videos under "Resources")

3.  How many Palestinian prisoners were released from prison by the Israeli government in exchange for Gilad Schalit?

4.  For what reason were many of the Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails?

5.  Before he was turned over to Israeli officials at the Egypt-Gaza border, the Egyptians had Gilad Schalit do an interview with Egyptian state TV.  Gilad was held in isolation and denied his rights under the Geneva Convention that he have contact with his family, and visits from the Red Cross.  What do you think of the reporter's second to last question (at approximately 2:20 on the video) asking Schalit if he will fight for the release of Palestinian prisoners still held in Israeli jails?

6.  The exchange of Israeli solider Gilad Schalit for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were convicted terrorists responsible for the murder of Israeli civilians, was controversial in Israel.  Many Israelis (led by Schalit's family) demanded that the government secure Schalit's freedom at any cost.  Many others, (led by families of those murdered by the imprisoned Palestinians) demanded that the government not release those guilty of murder.  And others argued that exchanging prisoners for a kidnapped Israeli soldier would only lead to more soldiers being captured to be used as bargaining chips.

[Upon his own release this week, Hamas leader Yehiye Sinwar called on Hamas to kidnap more Israeli soldiers in order to free the remaining Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, the Associated Press reports. Several thousand are still held by Israel on a range of security offenses.  Sinwar said:  "We shall spare no efforts to liberate the rest of our brothers and sisters. We urge the Al Qassam Brigades (the Hamas military wing) to kidnap more soldiers to exchange them for the freedom of our loved ones who are still behind bars."]

The opinions of Israelis who wanted Gilad released at any cost and others who didn't think Palestinian terrorists should be released in exchange for his return are both understandable.   Do you think Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the right decision?  Explain your answer.