Parents of captured Israeli soldier move to block deal with Hamas while son remains captive

The parents of an Israeli soldier held by Hamas-allied militants petitioned Israel's supreme court Saturday night to block a truce deal with the militant group so long as their son remains in captivity.

Noam and Aviva Schalit petitioned the court on behalf of their son, claiming that part of the deal included opening the Gaza Strip's crossings. They said this would allow their son's captors to smuggle him out and harm efforts to free him.

As part of their petition, the Schalits published a handwritten letter, penned by their son, which was delivered to the family two weeks ago by representatives of former President Jimmy Carter.

Gilad Schalit was …