Israel cabinet approves Gilad Shalit prisoner swap
Deal is approved by a large majority, though three government ministers voted against the proposal.
By Barak Ravid and HaaretzPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet voted early Wednesday morning to approve a prisoner swap that will see Gilad Shalit, the IDF soldier who has been in Hamas captivity for the last five years, return to Israel.
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IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, captured by Hamas in 2006. |
| Photo by: Archive |
Twenty-six ministers voted in favor of the deal, and three ministers - Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, National Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau of Yisrael Beiteinu and Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon of Likud - voted against the proposal.
According to the agreement framework presented by Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, the deal Netanyahu brought before the cabinet included, at first, the release of 450 Palestinian prisoners, including 280 with life sentences.
110 prisoners will be released to their homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, out of whom 55 are Hamas men, with the rest belonging to Fatah and the other Palestinian groups.
According to the deal, 131 Gaza residents will be released back to the coastal Strip, many of whom are reportedly top Hamas operatives. Another 203 prisoners will be expelled from the West Bank, 40 of whom will be deported overseas and the rest to Gaza.
In addition, 6 Israeli Arab prisoners who have been serving for many years will also be released to their homes. The deal also specifies the release of 27 female inmates: terrorists Ahlam Tamimi and Amna Muna will be deported, with the rest of the female inmates are expected to be released to their homes.
The second wave of releases will take place in two months time, at which point Israel will release 550 prisoners of its choosing.
In a briefing with reporters, the Shin Bet chief indicated that senior Hamas West Bank operatives the militant group demanded be set free – such as Abdullah Barghouti, Ibrahim Hamed, Abbas Sayed, and others – will not be released from jail.
Ahmed Saadat, secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, will also remain in prison, as well as Fatah strongman Marwan Barghouti.
About half of those released to the West Bank will live under restrictions that include prohibiting them from exiting the West Bank and, in some cases, the towns in which they live.
Cohen added that the Shin Bet supported the newly signed deal since releasing Shalit by means of military operation was deemed impossible.
"The security establishment finds this release very difficult," Cohen said, adding: "It's easier for me to be tough. We had no possibility or better way of releasing Shalit, so we backed the deal."
"It's not a good deal, but, on the other hand, it's the only way if we want to bring him home," the Shin Bet chief said, adding: "Hamas had to show flexibility as we did. What happened in Syria created instability and a need for Egyptian backup."
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And Gilad would not have been taken hostage in first place.
many of them are children under the age of 16
I am very Glad that Isreal has taken decision to Swap Prisoners for Mr Shalit. Thanks to Mr Netanyahu I am very Proud about efforts taken by Parents of Mr Shalit. I hope Peace will Return to Middle East . Hamas will give up Violence . No religion promotes violence. Time has come to resolve Israrel-Palestine Dispute . Long Live peace . Long Leave Isarel. Long Live palestine Regards Nikhil from Mumbai India
nothing based on injustice and terrorism and occupation other's land like isreal will stand forever it's just a matter of time . you can ask the English an french Colonialism to arab countries . so keep talking bla bla !
At last, and may it be for real this time. It doesn't really matter how many terrorists are released for him, as his life is worth it, and for all the terrorists in Israeli custody, there are a hundred times more potential and future terrorists in Gaza free and ready in any case. Those released will simply join them
Since the Palestinian Authority is spending millions a month on salaries for terrorists to sit in Israeli prisons. Wages greater than the average in the WB or Gaza.
Shalit is more valuable to Hamas than he is to Israel. This is how prices are determined. Hamas will hold Shalit unless the value of Israel's offer to Hamas meets or exceeds the value of Shalit to Hamas.
with pal camp folowers and oh so wise,so wise alecs
were arrested by the IDF, held without charge in administrative detention? And how many thousands are still left? And how many have actually committed any crimes, other than being born a Palestinian?
for all of the doomsday, right-wing prophets in this forum, i assume none of you spent serious time and energy investigating arab / palestinian prisoners in israeli jails? do you realize that israel jails HUNDREDS of minors? for what?...throwing stones at tanks and soldiers armed w/ weapons, at people who are occupying them. I have seen with my own eyes palestinians beaten, i have friends sent to israeli jail for being members of COMMUNIST movements at the university, ... israeli jails are no different than the rest of the middle east oppressive jail system, and you have THOUSANDS of Palestinians locked away for doing MISDEMEANOR crimes... and THESE are the terrorists you are talking about? There is a reason Hamas takes soldiers... it takes just one Israeli to rescue a thousand innocent Palestinian lives... just goes to show what Israel does is so much more disproportionate than Hamas... now, many Palestinian mothers can have their children and girls back to them... or, do you suppose, all those thousands are conspirators planning to blow up Israelis?
1 Jew worth 1000 arabs
everybody knew from the very beggining that a prisoners swap was the only way to free shalit. so no one took the oportunity to free him long ago and why now?
Call me cynical but perhaps it has something to do with the fact that, having been so totally weak and ineffective in every way both internally and internationally and with the social protests and the crisis in the health system (which, as Minister of Health, he chose to avoid until it was pretty much too late), Bibi needed to make a "feelgood" gesture (much in the same way as Arik Sharon's decision to withdraw from Gaza the day before a decision was to be made on whether to prosecute him for corruption, fraud etc.). It's all a matter of internal politics!
Believe it or not he even had the audacity to demand that in his UN speech. Every last terrorist including the recent killers of the Fogel family would be out if a peace deal is signed tomorrow.
which is the example the Quartet are using as the world moves towards the establishment of a Palestinian State
we feel joyful at their happiness.
does no one in israel see the clear and present danger emanating from this daftness
'Shalit's release: the catastrophe ' The worst happened: Israeli governing clique agreed to swap Shalit for sixty Palestinian murderers and one thousand petty terrorists. The concession exceeds Hamas' wildest demands made before. The immediate consequences are clear. Israeli credibility and bargaining Position will deteriorate further. Israeli troops will be demoralized once Again: why risk your life in night raids arresting terrorists who are going to Be released? Friends and families of terror victims are being spit into their Face, and Israeli public see the common sense raped again. Hamas celebrates an immense victory. Iranian influence is increased further. The Corrupt cum moderate Fatah is flatly defeated in the battle for voters' minds. Despite the promises to exile major terrorists, they will be smuggled to Gaza Soon, and a thousand of minor terrorists will become a potent educational force For Arab recruits. Scores of newcomers will flock to terrorist groups seeing That the risk is really limited.
the team of bibi and bouncer truly do work in mysterious ways baffling
sombodies brains have been fried to do this deal defies all logic at this time think about it
where is there any sense in releasing 1000 vets where it is quite clear the pal situation is going to degenerate into violence sometime soon!!!
1000 let loose what do u think these guys have been doing for the past few years embroidary making cakes!!!! they are hardened with skills and an esprit de corps difficult to replicate in any other circumstances
complete disaster for israel initiative surrendered again to abbass this was a big stick to beat pals they have shown they are prepared to reach agreement with israel massive pr victory for pals
and what a perverted sense of priorities sweating the release of this idiot who was simply the wrong place at the wrong time, and is lucky to be alive and not rotting in a prison as his Palestinian opposites are... by the thousands... and for years...
no one cared at all about their fate
and a British man of Somali descent negotiated their freedom. So to say nobody cared in the UK is disingenious in fact a blatant lie which is becoming typical of Zionists posting on t'internet as their position becomes increasingly untenable
no one in th euk has heard of the two britons. lies are from foreign posters
I am happy that Shalit is coming back but perhaps we need to look past this victory and understand why this hadn't happened any sooner. Just turn to the Knesset to find the opposers. Perhaps its time to remove those who are hellbent against peace in the region simply further their own cause such as illegal occupation and land grabbing. PS Lieberman was one of the opposers, perhaps this is the opportunity Bibi needed to balance the coalition with some sense and sensibility.
we paid for our captive while you let yours rot in iraqi jails.
Bibi had to convince the world that he is serious about negotiations with pals they think (know ) he is a chancer this is cheaper than negotiating on borders west bank jerusulem right of return
keep an eye on them and let them know.
i suggest tagging those under our jurisdiction.the more dangerous ones should be told in easy to understand terms.they do it again and they go right back into jail
one foot on the slope of meeting pal demands methinks
start of a process of softening up the israel public for the next capitulation to abbass israel is coming under massive international pressure to act in a civilised manner
only israel pays for its prisoners.the west leaves them to suffer a horrific fate and you call us uncivilised?
they will lose their leaders in several and sustained operations.we have to be very strict and transparent in setting this red line
they ask for one thousand of their own for one of us.what will we think of them
Hamas is being smart, by cashing in on Israeli arrogance, the exchange rate proves to be very much in Hamas's favour.
we don't see it your way, listen "Israel" is militarily a thousand times stronger than the Palestinians, However, this military force was not able to release one soldier, While the weakest side was able to free thousand prisoners who are real heroes and not real cowards. after all we are what we think of ourselves not what our enemies think about us.
that the Nightclub bouncer from Moldova voted against the return of your son when he was on active duty in the military.
... are precisely the three most abhorent and least sympathetic members of the present government...
Could it be that Netanyahu has decided to release 1000 terrorists and assorted killers and gangsters in order to shake Mr. Abbas' applecart by reinforcing Hamas (who are not so cuddly with Europeans and Americans as Fatah for some reason) and therefore setting the two groups at each other's throats..... in public, which coming out, as PM, looking "humanitarian" himself ?
More likely to distract from the social protests and the mass resignation of Israeli medical staff which is close to causing the collapse of healthcare in Israel
probably know very well that thousands can replace them if Hamas decide so. It wont change the security situation one iota. It is pure demagoguery or just stupidity. The price would have been probably less to have done this exchange long ago.
replacements are inexperienced these are now hardeded vets being released therein lies the clear and present danger
Poor guy..... logically it is not a good Idea. Are they doing this to ONLY RELEASE ONE??? Releasing that many Terorists just to get one solder? If thats the case then lets look at the facts; wont more inocent Israeli's get hurt by this rather then less??? Dont get me wrong, I do pitty the family, but by being a solder he knew what he would have to face, and I do think the IDF should try everything to get him out, besides risking more lives by releasing blood thirsty terorists.
if so many are released , maybe they were not really terrorist, maybe they were protecting there house there friends , family all of the above or just wanted there land ,you know like mr m begin
Israel's capitulation to terrorism serves to encourage our enemies. Ahah, say they, capture enough Israelis and Israel will release all of ours incarcerated in their jails. Ahah, say they, obviously terrorism pays, since we can kill, get caught, and then be released. Why, PM Netanyahu, why?
When a doorman holds the door open for his people, we don't forget to say "thank you." A word of kindness can spread immense happiness. P.M. Thanks for saving Galid Shalit. This will encourages all the protective organs to expose themsleves for rendering and fulfil their duties knowing that you are with them anywhere in anyplace. You made the right decision.
Clearly we are glad that Shalit will be coming back. But this is also clearly a victory for Hamas! 1 soldier for 1,000 prisoners. Netanyahu will claim a victory for Israel, but it will be hollow. Israel was forced to capitulate and I would think this would only encourage the terrorists to do more kidnapping.
Israeli and Israel firsters have been using Shalit as a reason why Israel cannot enter peace talks aimed at a two state solution With Gilad Shalit free there is nothing to stop us voting for Palestinian Statehood in the UN
great news for this young man and his family - what a tortureous few years for them. I hope he can recover from his ordeal in time
You, people, who believe that the release of 1000 Palestinian prisoners will spark a new wave of terror, are delusional and brainwashed. Seriously, don’t you think that those Palestinians who are free and have incarcerated by Israel relatives are not capable of kidnappings and other atrocities? And do you really think that the first thing these released Palestinians prisoners would want to do is to go back to prisons for the new crimes? You should look at it as a beginning of understanding between Israel and Hamas, and do not succumb to the propaganda spread by extreme nationalists. And before you all start screaming at me, please let me let you know that I’m not Palestinian or Arab, but in fact I'm Jewish. And frankly, I think that Israeli government releasing all these people because they simply got short on money now and these are the extra months they have to feed. You all should be happy for Gilad and his family, for his mom he worth more than a million Palestinians.
The entire episode sits at the IDF. 1 failure to prevent the kidnapping 2 faillure to get him back 3 killing more then a thousand palestinian in a failled war Now when Galit will be back home lets hope the IDF gets it act together and does not let it guards down specially when a thousand challangers will be sitting out there to hurt us Jews at any time
by not sending them to Palestinian territories.
the three ministers who voted against Gilad coming home should be dismissed immediately. they should be ashamed of themselves
and an understanding of reality!
Sure I am not an israeli citizen but however , from you would say the security from far away I would like to state my opinion : this is an immoral deal. You should accept war losses ( war is not a mom&dad affair it is dangerous & serious matter and you should not take enormous risks for further terrorits actions. Just my opinion.
I hate to say this as Shalit shoud have been released months ago, but you shouldn't negotiate with terrorists, as it merely encourages them to do it again, and what further damage will the 1000 do to Israel when they are released?
... but to those worried about a wve of future kidnapings I offer one small ray of hope. Israel has made these heroic and disproportionate [sic] exchanges many times before, sometimes even for body parts. This is to be applauded for the great feelings we have for each Israeli. On no occasion, despite the same fears, did it result in a significant upsurge in terrorist (by the way - how odd it is to see that word used in Ha'aretz) activity. Please G-d it won't this time either.
a terrible deal. It 'rewards' Hamas which should be the last thing Israel wants to do. It may very well be the beginning of the end of the PA, because after all, with all their cooperation with Israel they couldn't get the prisoners out while Hamas, as it now turns out, can.
the jewish state is redeeming one of its own held in captivity by the enemy. for two thousand years, jews were enslaved, exiled, crucified, murdered, raped, burnt, expelled, walled in, held captive, denied their rights. for two thousand years, jews had no means to defend themselves. the two thousand years of exile culminated in the annhilation of six million jews, of whom one and a half million were children. the exile came to an end with the rebirth of israel. today the jewish state has the means to defend herself against all enemies--and the jewish state can redeem her hostage soldiers for a multitude of the enemy.
sounds like the present and future history of the palestinians if israel have anything to do with it .
Everything bad that has ever happened has happened exclusively to the Jews, no-one else has ever been a victim blah blah blah...
"those to be be released in the West Bank will live under restrictions"? You mean the current policy of restrictions on all Palestinians imposed by Israel. I wonder how many days it will take the IDF to kidnap (arrest) a thousand pals on it's daily overnight " raids". Shameless acts motivated by the guilt free Jews of Israel. Read the commandments
Earlier they wouldn't tolerate exiling released prisoners, but now they accept it. They probably calculate their popularity is dropping so much they have to show a success, even if not all they demanded. Other, earlier reports said Marwan Barghouti was to be released, but apparently not: we'll see. If he stays inside a lot of the PA and Hamas leadership will be happy, though the people will be disappointed.
Israelis are as harsh on the Palestinian resistance as they are easy on Israel's institutional terrorism which targets and slaughters civilians in a regular basis.
The argument is so baseless. In every strategy Israel carries out they go to GREAT lengths to NOT injure any civilians. They go to the extent of sending public warnings and going to civilian homes to let them know of upcoming military efforts so they have enough time to leave. You cannot say the same for the Palestinians. The truly sad part is Palestinian leadership using their people as cannon fodder.
Terrorists? A lot of the civilians where in jail because they defened their own ground.
you are comparing apples and oranges....
That's right, this is like comparing apples and oranges. Israel is an occupying power with a very powerful, massively financed, well trained, equipped and armed army. Palestinians are an oppressed people; living under a brutal occupation. They have no army. The try to defend their belongings from brutal Israeli attacks with not much more then creativity and homemade 'weaponry'.
THE WORST DEAL ANYONE CAN MAKE, BIBI YOU BETRAYED 100'S OF FAMILIES THAT LOST THEIR KIDS TO TERROR AND MORE SO YOU WILL LET LOOSE 1000 CRIMINALS TO KILL AND DESTROY HUNDREDS IF NOT A LOT MORE JEWS...U WILL BE SORRY ..NO JOY IN ISRAEL ...THE BLIND IGNORANT POLICIES OF GIVING IN AND TEACHING YOUR ENEMIE U ARE A WEAK SOCIETY, THEY WILL EAT YOU ALIVE....
This IS Israel's backbone and strength, that life is so precious, it is worth doing things that are extra-ordinary to bring one Israeli boy home from the fangs of a wild beast. Sometimes, there is strength in softness.
Marc-do you live in Israel? I do, and for once Bibi has listened to the vast majority of Israelis- we want Gilad home! We know the risks of letting the prisoners out, but we live beside people who want to kill us. I am not a fan of Bibi- but well done!
As soon as the last Palestinian leaves the prison there will be place for 1000 criminal settlers. Thats a good deal.
You obviously have no children. Do you think that without releasing these prisoners there are not millions of others willing to kill israeli's. Very shortsighted of you. the most important thing is that THE BOY IS COMING HOME. In this case the price is of no consequence.
B"H , we will get our Gilad back...sadly Israel was taken to the cleaners. 5 years of negotiations with the Devil themselves. This was not a negotiation, hamas got EVERYTHING they wanted and more. Why did Israel let it go so long? The worst of the worst in terror are free now. Israel should have conceded when they were requested to at the outset, so that Gilad could have come home 1000 days sooner.Poor Israel.Hamas and Terror =1, Israel=0.
This is sickening news. It will be open season now for hostage takers and the freed serial killers will go back to killing innocent people once again.
How many does Israel hold apart from the Hamas legislators?
do you not have children????? Your hatred of these bad enemies is blind to the fact that Gilad Shalit is finally to be with his family - to me - a proud miluimnik - that is all important.
Freeing murderers to murder again, rewarding hostage taking, and spitting in the victim's faces whose murderers of our loves one will be free to kill again. Who will be the next Gilad Shalit? Now that we reward this behavior there will be many more. I am disgusted. This is very dangerous.
have you no compassion for anothe jew whose reality for 5 years has been worse than hell. We should have swopped him for some of our leading politicians (or maybe you) and see what you think
i bet you'd feel differently if shalit was your brother or son. it's easy to donate other people' lives to imprisonment, but not so with those near and dear to us, or God forbid ourselves.
That's why Israel will survive and thrive through anything their enemies throw at her. Because Israeli's value life and Hamas and Fatah and their supporters throw life away, their own especially.
as your army splinters in two, your government polarizes and the world turns it back on you.
while israelis live free, comfortable lives at the pool or in luxurious resorts, palestinians are living under a brutal occupation. it's too much to ask them to actually value their condition. hellloooooo???
"yeah right"
but i wonder how many of the 1100 released are now israel's agents.
I'M SO HAPPY!
Israel knows that there is a war coming on the horizon, seeking to unite the home front, and then to prepare for war, Israel wants to prove that is one soldier is the most valuable . I am a Palestinian but I understand the equation more than the Israelite themselves.
Can Israel round them up and have them serve the rest of the sentence for their crimes? Probably not. I sense a great wave of kidnappings coming up.
The drawbacks of this swap is obvious to all. Yet to me it signifies the value Israel places on each of her citizens. The fact that the government went to such lengths to free Gilad is inspiring even if Hamas clearly abused the deal. As a Turkish guy living in the US, I wish our government valued each Turk's or Kurd's life half as much.
why would you like war?
Israel is only encouraging more hostages to be taken and letting free murderers to kill again.
I already have read when the terrorist will be released, but we still do not know when Gilad backs home! WHEN?
Israel should follow with a change in policy. Stop incarcerating terrorists - just put bullets in their heads. That is the only sensible way to deal with terrorists.
you are young and littel bias ....my advise to you do not watch tv too much ...read and travel ...i am sure you will change your mind about your view today...
CONGRATULATIONS FOR HAMMAS , A REMINDER THAT HAMMAS IS MADE IN ISRAEL.
Hamas was created by Israel in order to strike at Arafat. The thinking was that this fundamental group could be controlled. Instead, it created a monster.
... that Yasser arafat was Jewish, born and raised by the Jewish Agency who became a monster He was originally created in Tel Aviv to enlighten the existence of the Jewish State
One israeli soldier worth much more then 1000 terrorists.
How is releasing 1000+ angry Palestinian fighters for one soldier going to help Israel. I am willing to bet that Gilad Shalit would rather die in his captors hands than endanger his nation to such a degree. Those 1000 "terrorists" will most likely kill atleast 1 innocent Israeli.
Anger and violence correlate strongly with youth, on both sides. The only way a person pursues violence past their adolescence or 20s is if they have a very morbid history or are pushed hard. Its very shortsighted to have a stagnant view of your enemy. They are individuals who go through the same phases you (will) go through.
i bet you not!!!! Are there no other terrorists without these few being released. You are obviously not Israeli or at least have not served in the army and learned their codes
Swapping so many terrorists for one soldier is a serious mistake for the Israelis do make. It proves to Hamas that the Knesset is a bunch of cowards that will cave in to whatever pressure the people exert. If GS is worth about 1100 prisoners, then the ordinary Joe Schmoe is worth about a hundred. So, anytime Hamas wants some leverage, all they have to do is kidnap some ordinary citizens from among the Israeli population and make their demands known. What will be next? Will Hamas behead those victims when they don't get their demands met? If this swap comes off, it will doubtless be a blessing for the Shalits. But, at what cost to Israel?
Yes El, you are right! Although you seem to be forgetting that Hamas is a terrorist organisation, who find leverage in every citizen. They might very well be so barbaric as to behead their victims - but they don't need Gilad Shalits release to make that choice.
hamas has already paid an exorbitant price for the kidnapping of shalit. the "deal" seems highly disproportionate only if it is looked at in isolation. furthermore, there were probably other parts to the deal that will remain secret.
you are obviously have no understanding of the idf codes about her soldiers. Or jewish tradition of family and tribe.
It did not happen by remote control. And they have always said they will accept any peace deal that is approved by a majority of Palestinians in a referendum. Why are you trying to deny any opportunity for peace Peter?
After the election victory of January 2006 prime minister Haniye signalled that he wanted to open a dialogue with Israel. The response came in February 2006 with Weisglas's prescription to put the Palestinian population in Gaza 'on a diet'.
what if it was your kid?????? 1000 of them do not come close to one of us, especially after what he and his family have been through
Are there only three sane people in Israel that understand that NOW EVERY JEW in Israel is subject to being kidnapped off the street.? This is a disgrace and a black mark on the State of Israel.
every israeli has always been a target - you have frckles on the brain
How many Israelis were kiled by those to be released. Is an Israeli life worth nothing.
That was their own decision to leave in 1948 (with the blessing of the Mufti and the Arabs's armies) with the promise they will bet the whole country! Don't re-write history...
Or at least are getting Red Cross visits. Prisoners in Israeli prisons are also subject to a justice system in a democracy's justice system. Gilad Schalit was abducted for the "crime" of being a conscripted soldier defending an internationally recognized border. In other words, it's not the same. Stop pretending it is.
There were no sat tv and he didn't have radios he had to leave because of Israeli systematic terror
You forget we did quite a lot to encourage them to leave. Remember Dir Yassin?
Not by us. Israel keep saying those are armistice lines not borders, just to justify the settlements and the occupation. You can't have it both ways.
What a fantastic deal. Hamas has pulled off. Once these prisoners are released, Hamas shall begin on phase two - kidnapping more Israeli soldiers. Then there will be another round of negotiations, but this time for the "bigwig" prisoners. The funny thing is the Israeli politicians are totally at the mercy of Hamas. Yet they claim that they coerced Hamas into showing flexibility, My backside, is all i can say! Hamas has whipped you. Cannot wait for another 1000 prisoners to be released.
Why bother to take Hamas prisoners?! Just dispose of them when there is the chance! Much easier than creating a problem...no Hamas prisoners, no need for exchanges!
Hamas' mind is short-term. Israel's mind is long-term. These islamist gangsters will all end up paying for their deeds. If Israel needs my help, I'll be there.
Well what are you waiting for? An invitation. Maybe you can become the next hostage and help release another 1100 Palestinians.
Remember the adagio: who saves a life, saves mankind?
So imagine how many lifes these 450 cruel criminals will destroy, by the hand of Netanyahu. I remember the panic when 10 criminals escaped a French prison. Imagine 1027 guilty people free among 7 million people.
1You do not negotiate with terrorists ever. 2 Hamas picked 450 with blood on their hands. 3 This tells the terrorists have no fear of getting arrested in Israel. We will get you out.
All palestinians in jail should have been released. They are in jail illegally in a rogue occupying entity!
So Rabbi what is your solution to the continued imprisonment of Gilad?
"Shin Bet chief also indicated that Israel gave no guarantees as to whether or not it would harm those prisoners released under the deal" So it's ok to kill them now?
Gilad Shalit better cure cancer.
This news of prisoners being released should give both Hamas and Fatah plenty of reasons to unite and be sincere about reconciling- not just pay lip service to the idea and then brush it aside. The Palestinian struggle for liberation is far too valuable for their leaders to ignore it. There are thousands of other Palestinian prisoner rotting in Israeli jails and they should not be forgotten.
They murdered or attacked Israeli's