Israel Begins Pardoning Palestinian Prisoners

[Rhiannon12866]

Israel's president on Saturday 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 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.

http://www.npr.org/2011/10/15/141383920/israel-begins-pardoning-palestinian-prisoners

[Scurrilous]

1. Obama pleased that Gilad Schalit is released

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"US President Barack Obama is pleased that IDF soldier Gilad Schalit has been freed and wants Israelis and Palestinians to take steps toward resuming peace negotiations, the White House said on Tuesday.

White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters during the president's bus tour in North Carolina that it was not yet clear how Schalit's release would impact the Middle East peace process but said Obama was "personally pleased" by the development.

"Each side needs to take steps that make it easier to return to negotiations rather than harder," Carney said."

http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=242313

[azurnoir]

2. I for one am glad that Gilad is home finally n/t