RAMALLAH - A group of 16 Palestinian exiles have returned to the West Bank in the framework of goodwill gestures to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas.
The terror activists were expelled to the Gaza Strip in the past two years, in line with a decision taken by Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz.
Another 40 exiles are expected to return to their homes soon, including members of the group that barricaded itself in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem during operation Defense Shield in 2002.
Life in Gaza and away from family members was difficult, former exile Sami Basus told Ynet Sunday. Basus is slated to reunite with his family at the Jenin refugee camp.
"I was detained and never told what I was guilty of," he says. "Later I found myself in jail and then they kicked us off to the Gaza Strip."
'Drastic steps needed'
During Basus' time in Gaza, he says was unable to meet his family and could only communicate with relatives through the phone. However, he adds that the limited return of exiles is insufficient.
"We demand the return of all exiles, with no exception," Basus said. "Without their return, today's move would be lacking."
Meanwhile, senior Palestinian security official Muhammad Dahlan also downplayed the exiles' return.
"This is only a cosmetic and partial step that is unrelated to the essence of talks between the sides," he said in a press conference Sunday, and added that "genuine, drastic steps are needed."
Dahlan said he will discuss substantive measures, including the withdrawal of IDF forces from Palestinian towns, in his upcoming meeting with Defense Minister Mofaz, expected to take place Sunday or Monday.
First published: 16:52, 02.20.5