By KUNA,
Gaza : It is only right and timely to approve release of Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, and those who spent up to 20 years in Israeli jails, urged Palestinian Minister for Prisoners and Released Prisoners’ Affairs Ashraf Al-Ajrami on Sunday.
The official’s remark to Radio Palestine came amid reports the Israeli government is considering the release of 250 Palestinians before Eid, in a gesture of good will.
According to the minister, Israel still insists on unilateral inclusion of names on the list of those to be released.
The Palestinian side had proposed lists many times in the past with names of veteran prisoners, women, youngsters, and sick prisoners, as well as leaders of factions.
Israel, on the other hand, stresses the “no blood on their hands” criterion, in reference to those not implicated in killing of Israelis.
With over 11,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails, and the minister said that the release of very few every once in a while is too little to make a difference on this dossier.
Radio Israel meanwhile reported that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is to chair a cabinet meeting today to discuss issues including such prisoners’ release.
The radio said the cabinet is likely to endorse a list of 250 names of individuals to be released from different Israeli jails.
The release is set before Eid Al-Adha, in a good will gesture towards the Palestinians, it reported. The radio also quoted Israeli Attorney General Menny Mezuz saying there is no obstacle before the release “even though the current is a transitional government.” This last statement came in comment as some in Israel believe the cabinet should not take such steps as engage in negotiations or release prisoner and should only administer urgent matters till the time of the general elections.
Eid Al-Adha coincides with December 8.