Israel to free 170 prisoners

ISRAEL yesterday approved the release of 170 Palestinian prisoners in a goodwill gesture toward Egypt and the new Palestinian leadership.

But the move received a cool response from Palestinians with one official dismissing it as “cosmetic.”

News of the prisoner release came hours after Israel ended a two-day military operation in the southern Gaza Strip, leaving dozens of Palestinian homes in rubble.

The prisoner release, which comes ahead of the January 9 Palestinian presidential election, was part of a deal with Egypt this month that brought home an Israeli jailed by Cairo on espionage charges.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called the decision by a ministerial committee a “goodwill gesture” and spoke of “deep friendship” for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

A senior Israeli official said the move was also aimed at interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who is seeking election in the presidential vote.

“It gives them an indication that we want to have an atmosphere of reconciliation,” the official said. He said Israel would consider further releases if the Palestinians take action against militants.

Israel tacitly supports Abbas in the election, viewing him as a moderate pragmatist. Abbas has made releasing prisoners a priority and Israel’s move could boost his standing.

Palestinian officials, who have long demanded the release of all prisoners, gave the announcement a cool reception.

“We consider this step a cosmetic one. We have not been consulted about this release,” said Radi Jaraie, the deputy Palestinian minister of prisoner affairs.

Israeli and Palestinian officials were to meet to discuss preparations for the vote. Israel has pledged to remove troops from Palestinian areas and take other measures to ensure a smooth election.

In Gaza, Israeli troops withdrew from the Khan Younis refugee camp late yesterday, ending a two-day operation that killed 11 Palestinians and wounded dozens more.