BICOM

The second phase of the prisoner swap deal that secured the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is shortly set to commence. Another 550 Palestinian prisoners are due to be released. The second phase of the deal is due to be completed by 18 December.

A number of Israeli media reports have suggested that Israel might seek to build the standing of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas by releasing mainly prisoners associated with the Fatah movement. Palestinian officials have stated in recent weeks that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had pledged when in office to ensure that Fatah prisoners would be released as part of the Shalit deal. Such a move is of significance because the achievement of the deal is presented by Hamas as a major achievement for itself and for its methods – which oppose compromise with Israel. Ensuring the release of Fatah prisoners might enable Fatah to also claim an achievement from the Shalit deal.