Gilad Shalit's release

We share the joy of Israelis over the release of Sgt. First Class Gilad Shalit, who was held by Hamas for five years. 

The first television images of freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit showed him being led by Egyptian officials through the Gaza-Egypt border terminal of Rafah.

Gilad Shalit was interviewed by Egypt TV. In his first interview, he told the channel that he missed his friends and family. He said he hoped the exchange would help bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Supporters of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit celebrate after watching the first footage after his release, in Mitzpe Hila, northern Israel.

Gilad Schalit salutes as he is welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Gilad Shalit reunited with his father Noam after five years.

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Gilad Shalit and his family took off from the Tel Nof air force base in a military helicopter heading for home. Large crowds awaited their arrival at the western Galilee community of Mitzpe Hila. In about 35 minutes Gilad Shalit was in home.

Israel was happy, very happy. The news of a deal to bring home the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit arrived with the holiday of Sukkot, a traditionally cheerful weeklong harvest festival made effervescent by the news that a young man held captive by Hamas for five years was coming home to his family.

Israelis release a dove as they celebrate the release of Gilad Shalit