69 Palestinians to Be Released
Israeli President Moshe Katsav commuted the sentences of 69 Palestinian prisoners, clearing the way for them to be released today. All had been held on criminal charges -- such as illegal entry into Israel or car theft -- not for attacks on Israelis.
Hisham Abdel Razek, the Palestinian Cabinet minister in charge of prisoner affairs, was scornful. “This prisoner release has nothing to do with the [peace] negotiations,” he said.
Palestinians want Israel to free its thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Israel has said it will not free any linked to terrorism.
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