Israeli Cabinet Approves Release of Some Hamas, Islamic Jihad Members

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, July 28, 2003

Israeli Cabinet Approves Release of Some Hamas, Islamic Jihad Members

The Israeli cabinet approved on Sunday morning the release of 100 jailed Hamas and Islamic Jihad members, Israel Radio reported.

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The Israeli cabinet approved on Sunday morning the release of 100 jailed Hamas and Islamic Jihad members, Israel Radio reported.

The cabinet voted 14-9 to approve Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's proposal to release the Hamas and Islamic Jihad prisoners, who wereidentified by the security establishments as prisoners "without blood on hands."

The militant groups' members are expected to be free with other 450 prisoners this week.

Ahead of the vote, Sharon summoned his Likud Party's cabinet ministers to ask them to support the release, which is viewed as anobvious attempt to show the United States that Israel is trying to bolster Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas' position inside the Palestinians so he can take real measures to fight against the terrorism.

Sharon is scheduled to leave for Washington on Sunday afternoon,his 8th US visit since he took office in 2001, to discuss the US-backed roadmap peace plan with US President George W. Bush, who hadmet with Abbas over the plan last Friday.

Prior to Sharon's departure, his office issued a statement, announcing a series of steps Israel will take to ease the restrictions on the Palestinian territories.

According to the statement, Israel will remove three main roadblocks -- one between Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Ramallah, one between Ramallah and Nablus, and the other one between Bethlehem and Hebron.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army will transfer the security control of two more West Bank cites to the Palestinians.

Reports here said Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz have agreed on the transfer and Mofaz would announce their decision at ascheduled meeting this week with his Palestinian counterpart Muhammad Dahlan.

Israel will also issue more work permits to Palestinians and transfer 72 million shekels (about 16.3 million US dollars) to the Palestinian side from funds that have been collected and held by the Israeli authorities.

Latest reports said the Israeli army troops have started on Sunday morning the dismantle of a main checkpoint between Ramallah and Nablus.

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