JERUSALEM - Israel is set to release 900 prisoners as a goodwill gesture to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas ahead of the planned four-way summit at Sharm el-Sheik next week.
After much debate, the seven-minister forum decided Thursday not to release prisoners with "blood on their hands."
The forum also discussed the handing over of security control to the Palestinians Authority in five West Bank cities.
The forum included Prime Minister Sharon, Industry Minister Ehud Olmert, Vice Premier Shimon Peres, Defense Minister Silvan Shalom, Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Chaim Ramon.
Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon had recommended releasing Palestinian prisoners with "blood on their hands," whereas General Security Service Chief Avi Dichter fiercely objected to the proposal.
Peres, meanwhile, had said he would not rule out the release of prisoners with "blood on their hands."
“But each case has to be examined individually,” he said.
Mofaz says time is right for Palestinian responsibilities
A strategic opportunity has been opened up, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said during the meeting.
"We have to be careful and make calculated decisions, but we should also let the Palestinian Authority do what they can to change the situation," he said.
Mofaz said the West Bank cities would gradually be handed over to the Palestinian Authority, with Jericho first, followed by QalQiliya, Tul Karem and Ramallah.
He also said the GSS and the Palestinian Preventive Security Service would decide the status of wanted Palestinians in cities under Palestinian control.
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