The release of some 100 Palestinian prisoners is expected to be approved by the government Sunday, as a goodwill gesture for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Pledges for Peace
Olmert promises to release prisoners for Ramadan / Ronny Sofer
Prime minister meets with Palestinian president, but leaders do not discuss number of prisoners to be released. Israel also promises to ease restrictions on Palestinians' movement in West Bank
Once the list of names is approved, a 48-hour waiting period will begin, during which objections can be made. Should no significant delays occur, the 100 prisoners are expected to be released on Tuesday.
The Justice Ministry decided to release only prisoners who did not have blood on their hands.
The list includes mostly Fatah members, as well as a few members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. No Hamas or Islamic Jihad members are included.
The move follows a request by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert prior to Rosh Hashana.
During the meeting, Olmert promised to release prisoners, although the exact number was not discussed.
Israel’s last goodwill gesture to the Palestinian Authority included the release of 255 prisoners, a move Olmert committed to during a regional summit in Sharm el-Sheikh last June.
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