Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Israel Releases 198 Palestinians

Freed prisoners intended to shore up Fatah PM Abbas; some in Israel fuming

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2008 9:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – Israel today released 198 Palestinian prisoners in an effort to bolster Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas, the AFP reports. The release, on the eve of a visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, included two prisoners held since the late 1970s who were convicted of murdering Israelis. One of them, a Fatah party member who killed an Israeli settler in Hebron, was elected to parliament in 2006.

In Ramallah, Abbas told a welcoming crowd, “The release of this group fills us with joy, but we will not be satisfied until all prisoners are released.” One Israeli politician, a contender to succeed Ehud Olmert as prime minister, said “this is a decision conveying weakness and an acceptance of the existing situation,” the BBC reports. One prisoner was struck from the list because he was from Hamas-controlled Gaza; ministers voted to block his release until Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is freed, Haaretz reports.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, center, speaks to released prisoners upon their arrival at the President's headquarters. (AP Photo)

A released Palestinian prisoner, center, is hugged by a friend upon his arrival. (AP Photo)

A released Palestinian prisoner reaches to kiss his mother. (AP Photo)

Released Palestinian prisoners celebrate after crossing the Beituniya checkpoint before leaving for the West Bank city of Ramallah. (AP Photo)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

We hope it will contribute to a positive climate. It is not easy to release prisoners, and particularly those who have been involved in murderous terrorist attacks. - Mark Regev, Israeli spokeman

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Peace Talks Snag on Jerusalem

Palestinians want to discuss issue Israelis say isn't on the table

(NEWSER) - Peace talks between Israel and Palestinians were set to resume today as leaders were already entangled in a first major clash: over whether or not they agreed that Jerusalem would be part of the discussion. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has claimed the Palestinians agreed to put off discussing Jerusalem. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas insisted they have not. More»

Olmert, Abbas Talk on Palestinian Soil

Jericho get-together signals progress in stalled peace process

(NEWSER) - Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas met in the West Bank city of Jericho today, the first time an Israeli head of state has been to the Palestinian territories in 7 years. The meeting was an attempt by both parties to bolster the moderate Fatah party’s standing and to bring momentum to the two-state peace process, the Times reports. More»

Rice Pushes Peace Talks With Olmert, Abbas

Takes mission to Jerusalem, West Bank

(NEWSER) - Condoleezza Rice took her diplomatic tour to Jerusalem and the West Bank today, hoping to rekindle peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian government of Mahmoud Abbas. Rice comes bearing a promise from Saudi Arabia to support the peace conference proposed by the White House for later this year, Reuters reports. More»

Israel to Release 250 Fatah Prisoners

PM Olmert makes pledge at summit with Arab leaders

(NEWSER) - Israel plans to free 250 Fatah members as part of an international push to shore up Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the Washington Post reports.The announcement came at the close of a summit at a Red Sea resort, where Mideast leaders gathered to talk about dealing with Hamas in the wake of the Gaza takeover. More»

Bush, Olmert Meet on Palestine

Israel considers picking up peace process as US resumes aid

(NEWSER) - President Bush and Israeli PM Ehud Olmert will convene today to discuss future relations with a newly divided Palestine. The US has resumed aid to Mahmoud Abbas' moderate Fatah government, now balkanized from its militant Hamas rivals, and Olmert has signaled his a potential willingness to push peace negotiations by doing the same. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Israel Releases 198 Palestinians