Shalit says in good health during interview on Egypt TV

Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is interviewed by Egypt TV in this screen shot from Israel's Channel 10 accessed from Egypt TV on Oct. 18. Photo by REUTERS/Channel 10 via Reuters TV/Handout

Freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit said on Tuesday he was in good health and he hoped his release in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons would lead to peace between the two peoples.

In an interview shortly after his release, Shalit, 25, looked tired and dazed, hesitating as he replied to questions from an Egyptian TV reporter.

Speaking through a translator, Shalit said he would be very happy if remaining Palestinians held in Israeli prisons were freed to return to their own families.

“Of course I miss my family very much. I also miss my friends,” he said. “I hope this deal will lead to peace between Palestinians and Israelis and that it will support cooperation between both sides.”

Reporting by Tamim Elyan and Marwa Awad