Israel today began releasing 429 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel released 61 Palestinian detainees today in what it called a “confidence-building measure” as US Secretary of State Colin Powell encouraged leaders on both sides to move forward on a new blueprint for Mideast peace.

Israel locked down the West Bank and Gaza Strip today ahead of its national election to keep out Palestinian attackers after a large-scale military incursion into Gaza and warnings that Palestinians may try to disrupt the voting with violence.