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PA Minister Says Prisoner Release 'Only Way' Forward

Palestinian Authority Minister for Prisoners' Affairs Issa Karake believes that Israel's recently announced prisoner release will create trust between the negotiating parties.
A Palestinian girl looks at a picture of a jailed relative during a protest demanding the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, in Gaza City October 28, 2013. Israel is to release 26 Palestinian prisoners in the second stage of a deal brokered by the U.S. in July that brought about the resumption of peace talks. The words on top of the poster read, "We will not forget you".            REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST CONFLICT TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTX14R3N
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The Palestinian Authority (PA) has kept close tabs on the fiery public debate raging in Israel over the decision to release an additional 26 security prisoners. Political spin from the right and harsh criticism from the bereaved families threatened to thwart the move, which Israel committed to as part of the renewal of negotiations with Palestinian Chairman Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas). However, the decision was confirmed Oct. 27.

All the prisoners who will be released this time were convicted and imprisoned before the signing of the Oslo Accords. Over the last 20 years, the Palestinians have frequently demanded the release the prisoners who were incarcerated before the agreement with Israel in 1993. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister who decided to grant this request.

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