A real step forward

But I'm curious... if these people have no blood on their hands, what were they in jail for? White collar crime?

Israel releasing 400 Palestinian prisoners

Israel began the release of about 400 Palestinian prisoners Thursday -- the second phase of the prisoner releases promised under a cease-fire agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, agreed in February at Sharm el-Sheikh summit, in Egypt. (About 500 were freed on February 21).

Sharon has said the 900 prisoners gaining freedom are all "without blood on their hands."

Last week, Abbas met in Washington with President Bush, who pledged $50 million in direct aid to the Palestinian Authority. The meeting constituted the first White House talks in five years between U.S. and Palestinian leaders.

Bush said the aid is meant "to help ensure that the Gaza disengagement is a success." Israel plans to withdraw from that region this summer.

The money will be used for new housing and infrastructure projects in Gaza, "where poverty and unemployment are very high," Bush said.

It's the first direct aid the United States has given to the Palestinian Authority. Previous donations have gone through non-governmental organizations.

Abbas thanked Bush for his support and said Israeli-Palestinian violence was at its "lowest level in four years."
posted by Manchild at 12:00 PM