Hamas supporters (archives)
Photo: AFP
Israel frees former Hamas minister
Wasfi Kabha, who was arrested after Shalit abduction, released from Israeli jail. Meanwhile, 14 Palestinian parliament members, Hamas figures remain behind bars
Another bargaining chip freed: Israel released on Wednesday Hamas member and former Minister of Prisoners' Affairs Wasfi Kabha, who was arrested about three years ago during a series of arrests of senior Hamas figures.
Kabha was met at one of the checkpoints near Hebron by Palestinian Parliament Speaker Dr. Aziz Al-Duwaik - who was also released by Israel about a year ago - as well as by other former ministers and senior Hamas figures.
Direct Appeal
Ahiya Raved
Father of abducted IDF soldier sends letter to Hamas leader on occasion of Palestinian Prisoners Day, calls on him to accept 'generous' deal on table
Kabha, a resident of Jenin, said the prisoners' message was that Palestinians must achieve national unity, in order to shorten the path to ending the occupation.
There are still 14 Palestinian members of parliament and senior Hamas figures in Israeli jails. After the abduction of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Israel had over 40 senior Hamas members in its jails.
Also Wednesday, Israel expelled a Tulkarem resident to the Gaza Strip after he completed a sentence of 10 years behind bars.
The prisoner, Ahmed Sabah, refused to enter the Strip, and since Wednesday afternoon he has remained in a tent near the Erez border crossing. All his family is in the West Bank town of Tulkarem.
