Palestinians arrested (archives)
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Israel pardons 45 wanted Palestinians
Amnesty granted to Fatah men as gesture for Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha; part of deal signed between Israel, PA following Hamas takeover of Gaza
Despite the stalled peace negotiations, Israel has granted amnesty to 45 wanted Fatah men ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which begins Tuesday.
The gesture is part of the amnesty agreement signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority some three years ago, according to which the Fatah men must lay down their arms and vow to avoid any armed activity against Israel.
Some of the men were granted a full pardon, giving freedom of movement throughout the entire West Bank, while the rest will restricted to their home towns and areas under full Palestinian control, Ynet reported Monday.
The amnesty deal was signed following Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza in 2007. Hundreds of Palestinians have been pardoned since then.
Last June Israel granted amnesty to 73 wanted Palestinians, including Kamel Ghanam, a senior al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades commander in the Ramallah area.
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