Israel releases more than 400 Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli authorities are set to release 429 Palestinian security prisoners this morning. Of these, 408 are from the West Bank, and the remainder from the Gaza Strip. The decision to release the prisoners was made prior to the recent Annapolis Conference, and is intended as a goodwill gesture from Israel to the PA, at the outset of the renewed negotiating process between the two. The prisoners held in Israel are seen by many as a having an important role in shaping Palestinian public opinion and providing legitimacy for crucial aspects in the diplomatic process. In addition, Palestinian leaders from both Hamas and Fatah who are imprisoned in Israel have taken part in substantial political initiatives such as the unity government agreement that was signed between Fatah and Hamas in Mecca in February 2007.

Perhaps the most influential Palestinian prisoner held in Israel is Marwan Bargouthi, who continues to maintain his influence on the Fatah movement. Bargouthi has been regularly meeting with Israeli parliamentarians and is supposed to have indirect communication with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert through occasional meetings he holds with Merezt MK Avshalom Vilan.

In yet another affirmation of his political sway, Bargouthi met yesterday with members of the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee during their visit in the "Hadarim" prison in which he is held for terror activities. During the meeting, Bargouthi said Israel could have released 8,000 prisoners and that the current "release is a mockery." When asked regarding a possible end to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Bargouthi replied that "The end to the conflict is very near. What is needed is a courageous leader that will sign [an agreement]."

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