Israel to release Palestinian prisoners
Israeli ministers voted 13-8 to free several hundred Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, but only under strict terms, according to media reports.
Israel radio said around 400 prisoners would be released but those Palestinians imprisoned for attacking or planning to attack Israelis would remain under lock and key.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad and other political prisoners charged with killing Israelis will remain in custody.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told cabinet colleagues that no prisoners “with blood on their hands will be released.”
The move is seen as a compromise gesture given that Palestinians had demanded the liberation of 6,000 to 8,000 prisoners.
After the cabinet meeting, Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz met with Palestinian Security Affairs Minister Mohammed Dahlan, to discuss security issues and the possibility of further Israeli troop withdrawals in the West Bank, Ramallah and other politically sensitive areas.
In return for the prisoners’ release, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon insists the Palestinian Authority must stamp out militancy among the rank and file.
The decision comes after the tentative cease-fire was established between Mr. Sharon and Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas last week.
The leaders hope to reaffirm and consolidate the US-backed “road map” for peace in the Middle East, which, if achieved, will establish an independent Palestinian state by 2005.
Separately, breakaway Palestinian militant group, the Popular Resistance Committees, announced on Sunday it was committed to the “truce initiative.”
A statement read: “We agree on a three-months hudna (truce) in accordance with the Palestinian national united stance and our responsibility toward the Palestinians’ aspirations.”
