#FP_Middel_east Israel has released 26 Palestinian prisoners shortly after midnight Wednesday, the second phase of four in part of a U.S. brokered peace plan. Five of the inmates were released to #Gaza, and 21 to the West Bank to celebratory crowds. Almost all of the prisoners had been detained over 20 years ago with life sentences on charges of murdering Israelis and some Palestinians. On Tuesday, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a last minute appeal by Israeli terror victims organizations. In a move believed to be aimed at easing tensions in #Israel over the contested prisoner release, the Israeli Interior Ministry announced it would proceed with a plan for the construction of 1,500 additional housing units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement in East #Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government approval of the housing projects was in compensation for the release of the 26 Palestinian prisoners. However, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the move as destructive for the peace process.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:48:59 +0000
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