TA-ANALYSIS: Israel releases 500 prisoners, page 1

Palestinians have given a warm welcome to over five hundred prisoners who were freed on Monday. They were freed by Israel as part of a truce but many have complained that the leaders of the uprising were not released. This decision to relase these prisoners has led to criticism by some Israelis after fears of re-starting the bloodshed that has beset the region for more than four years.

www.timesonline.co.uk
Faadi Matar, 24, grasped his two-year-old niece, Roaa, from the window of the coach that carried him on the last leg of his journey to the heart of Tulkarem. Yet even as he beamed at the welcome from scores of friends and family waving Palestinian flags, he could not shake the image of the twin brother he had left behind, who was sentenced to 24 years in jail late last year.

Moments later in his family home, Mr Matar, an al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades member who was arrested and sentenced to six years for shooting at an Israeli checkpoint, expressed his joy at being freed and hoped the new moves would extend to his brother, Shaadi.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

Hopefully this is the start to many more prisoners being released, on both sides. As soon as these two nations can learn to trust and co-operate, we will see peace, but not before.

Related News Links:
www.timesonline.co.uk
www.dailybulletin.com
www.gainesville.com

[edit on 22-2-2005 by phixion]