Hamas uses animated film to send Israel warning about captured soldier

Hamas releases cartoon about captured Israeli

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas has sent a sharp warning to Israel in the form of an animated film about an Israeli soldier it has held in Gaza for nearly four years.

The short film appeared Sunday on the website of Hamas’ armed wing. Hamas demands that Israel release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Sgt. Gilad Schalit.

The film shows the soldier’s father, Noam, walking empty Israeli streets, carrying a picture of his son. The father walks under billboards of Israeli politicians vowing to free his son. At the end, the father screams after receiving a coffin. Then he wakes up.

Text on the screen in Hebrew and Arabic reads: “There is still hope.”

Negotiations for his release have been stalled for months.