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Israel to free 250 prisoners
08/07/2007 16:37 - (SA)
Jerusalem - The Israeli Cabinet on Sunday approved the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners, officials said, in the government's latest gesture of support for moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in his struggle against the Hamas militant group.
However, the officials said Israel had still not finalised the list of prisoners to be freed or the timing of the release. Palestinian officials said they were disappointed Israel wasn't co-ordinating the release with them.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agreed to the prisoner release at a June 25 summit with Abbas as part of Israel's strategy of bolstering the Palestinian leader following Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip last month. None have 'blood on their hands'
Israel also has transferred more than $100m in frozen tax funds to Abbas and pledged to ease travel restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank.
"We want to use every means that can strengthen the moderates within the Palestinian Authority, to encourage them to take the path that we believe can create conditions for the start of meaningful discussions," Olmert said in a televised statement at the opening of the meeting.
Israel is holding about 10 000 Palestinian prisoners.
Olmert said none of the prisoners "have blood on their
hands" - Israeli terminology for people involved in deadly attacks. 'Collaborating with Israel'
In Gaza, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said a release of Fatah prisoners signalled that Abbas was collaborating with Israel. "He should have refused any release unless it includes all Palestinian prisoners," he said.
Olmert said he is "convinced beyond doubt" that the upcoming release would not hurt the chances of returning the soldier, Gilad Shalit, or bringing home two other soldiers captured by Hezbollah guerrillas a year ago. He said "maybe it will even create an atmosphere that will facilitate the process relating their release".
- AP
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