Noam Shalit said his son pleads for his release and asked to be rescued in the letter.

CNN: Letter from captive Israeli soldier given to parents

At a news conference, Noam Shalit said his son had been kept in harsh conditions by his captors initially, but his treatment had got better over the years.

BBC: Gilad Shalit freed in Israeli-Palestinian prisoner swap

Noam and Aviva Shalit are urging the outgoing PM to agree a prisoner swap.

BBC: Shalit campaign steps up a gear

His father, Noam, confirmed to CNN that the letter was in Shalit's handwriting and appeared to have been written recently.

CNN: Letter from captive Israeli soldier given to parents