SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt – Israel’s prime minister promised Monday to free 250 Palestinian prisoners and promised to improve life in the West Bank in an attempt to boost Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after the Hamas movement’s takeover in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made the pledges at a summit in this Egyptian Red Sea resort with Abbas and the leaders of Egypt and Jordan.
Hamas’ new power has raised fears the Mediterranean coastal strip will become a breeding ground for extremism.
Olmert did not promise an immediate resumption of peace negotiations, but said the steps he was announcing aimed to prepare the ground for them.
The prime minister announced the prisoner release and a series of steps aimed at easing the situation in the West Bank, where Abbas’ Fatah faction and the new emergency government he set up hold sway. Olmert spokeswoman Miri Eisin said the prisoners would be freed within 48 hours of Cabinet approval.
Olmert also promised to “substantially” improve freedom of movement in the West Bank by easing roadblocks and other security measures and reopening trade ties with the territory.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
