(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip congratulated Palestinian prisoners for their release last night from Israeli prisons, rejecting any compromises in return of their release.
Taher al-Nunu, media advisor to the Council of Ministers in Gaza, said on Wednesday that the continued detention of Palestinian prisoners is an Israeli heinous crime that she must be prosecuted for, stressing the prisoners' right to be released.
He pointed out that the prisoners' freedom must not be at the expense of Palestinian fundamental rights.
On the other hand, the release of 26 prisoners, as a “goodwill gesture” for the PA to return to talks, has provoked feuding within the Israeli street.
Israeli right-wing activists headed by the extremist housing minister, Uri Ariel, Jewish Home party, in addition to Israeli victims’ families have protested against the Israeli decision to release 26 Palestinian prisoners jailed before the Oslo accords in 1993.
The protesters verbally insulted the housing minister who came to support the protests saying that he represents the government that freed "their sons' killers."
In a controversial move, the protesters placed tens of signs at the graves of fallen soldiers in the Har Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem Monday evening. The signs read: "Sorry we forgot: From our point of view, your deaths were in vain."
The soldiers' families responded to the signs with outrage and expressed their intention to submit a complaint to the police against those who placed the signs.
Other Israeli victims’ families have supported the Israeli decision, considering it a chance for peace.
Meanwhile, Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were subjected to harsh criticism for releasing 26 Palestinian prisoners.
"This decision is a necessity given the reality in which we live," Netanyahu said, pointing out that prisoners' release was a US demand to resume talks.
On the other hand, Israeli authorities declared intention to build 1,500 new settler homes in occupied east Jerusalem in addition to a Jewish center in Silwan south of al-Aqsa mosque.
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