The rumor regarding Gilad Shalit swept the nation on Wednesday, creating a buzz than compelled the IDF to release statements denying the accuracy of reports that there was a failed rescue attempt to free Shalit, or according to a second version, a deal was reached for his release.

The soldier�s parents, Noam and Aviva, refused to comment on the reports Wednesday, and close friends added they refrained from answering the phone. Government statements stated sadly the rumors were baseless, adding �there are no new developments regarding Gilad Shalit�.

There was a solidarity rally for Shalit in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, attended by thousands of youths from around the country. Their message was a clear one, calling upon the government to reject any deal for a ceasefire with Hamas that does not include Shalit�s release.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)