Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit speaks about his ordeal after being held hostage for more than five years.<br/> Shalit was captured in 2006 by Palestinian militants who tunnelled out of the Gaza Strip to ambush and Israeli tank crew.<br/> Speaking on Egyptian state television the released Israeli soldier looked weak and pale but said he was in good health.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic translation) NEWLY RELEASED ISRAELI SOLDIER GILAD SHALIT, SAYING:<br/> "I got this news a week ago and I felt at the time that it would be the last opportunity to free me. I can't describe my emotions at the time but I felt that I was approaching very difficult moments."<br/> Shalit thanked those who worked for his release and said he hoped the 5,000 remaining Palestinians held in Israeli jails would be freed.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic translation) NEWLY RELEASED ISRAELI SOLDIER GILAD SHALIT, SAYING:<br/> "I would be very happy if they were all freed so they can go back to their families and their land, I would be very happy if this was to happen."<br/> More than a thousand Palestinians are being freed in exchange for Shalit under a deal between Hamas and the Israeli government - brokered by Egypt.<br/> Lily Grimes, Reuters
