The Israeli Cabinet today approved the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners, officials said, in the government's latest gesture of support for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

HAMAS militants posted an audio message yesterday from an Israeli soldier captured a year ago at an army base near the Gaza Strip, the first sign of life from the young serviceman since he was seized.

ISRAELI tanks and troops pulled back to the Israel-Gaza border yesterday after a particularly deadly incursion that killed 30 Palestinians over three days.

ISRAELI Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday said freeing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a captured Israeli soldier would be a “major mistake” and said there can be no negotiations with the “bloody organisation”.