Jerusalem: Israel’s president began the process of formally pardoning hundreds of Palestinian prisoners who are to be exchanged for an Israeli soldier held by Gaza militants for five years.
A spokeswoman for President Shimon Peres said yesterday he received the files of hundreds of prisoners set for release in the first phase of the deal and has 48 hours to sign the pardons. The swap will likely happen Tuesday. Under the deal, 1,027 Palestinians include some behind attacks on Israelis will be released in two stages in return for Sgt Gilad Schalit, who was captured by Hamas-backed militants in a 2006 cross-border raid. Israel has agreed to uneven prisoner exchange deals for decades. The list of prisoners included in the deal is to be released publicly, and in a mostly symbolic gesture, Israelis will be able to raise appeals.
Among the Palestinian prisoners to be freed are many involved in plotting suicide bombings as well as shooting attacks that killed hundreds of Israelis and injured many more. (AP)