The International Red Cross has demanded that the Palestinian militant group Hamas prove that kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is alive.

In a statement Thursday, the ICRC said its demand comes because there has been no sign of life from Shalit for almost two years.

The 24-year-old was last seen in a 2009 videotape released by Hamas.

The ICRC called on the militant group to protect Shalit's life, treat him humanely and allow him to have contact with his family.

Shalit was captured by Palestinian militants during a cross-border raid in 2006, and has been held in an unknown location in Gaza.

Hamas has demanded Israel free hundreds of prisoners in exchange for Shalit's release.