Israel to Release 250 Jailed Palestinians

Israel’s Cabinet Sunday agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners and expressed hope the gesture would bring kidnapped Israeli soldiers home.

The Cabinet ordered the Justice Ministry to make a list of 250 prisoners without blood on their hands, namely prisoners who were not involved in killing Israelis, Ynetnews.com reported.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the prisoners’ release would serve as a goodwill gesture toward Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

 We should make this gesture in order to make every effort to encourage and support the moderate Palestinians, Olmert said.

Olmert also said the prisoners’ release could help free three Israeli soldiers held by Palestinian militants.

As part of the goodwill effort, Israeli lawmakers last week released $150 million of $400 million in Palestinian tax funds.