Israeli Protests Mark Third Anniversary of Shalit's Capture

Today in Israel hundreds of Israeli protesters marked the third anniversary of Gilad Shalit's capture by temporarily blocking three major crossings into Gaza. Shalit was a 19-year-old IDF soldier when Palestinians kidnapped him on June 25, 2006 in a cross border raid. He has been held hostage ever since, and except for a few letters and tape-recorded voice messages the world hasn't heard from him. Hamas demands the release of 450 Palestinian prisoners - including inmates accused of deadly attacks against Israeli civilians - in exchange for his release.

In this photo an Israeli protester wearing a dress with Shalit's portrait leads a June 23, 2009 demonstration at the Erez crossing - the main crossing between Israel and the Palestinian territory. Protesters demanded that the Israeli government do more to free the soldier.

"I hope the message will reach the people of Gaza and their leaders," said Noam Shalit, Gilad's father, who was present at the Erez border crossing.

Photo credits: Jack Guez / Getty Images