Sixteen terrorists from Gaza are among the 441 terrorists and prisoners who the government plans to release following Cabinet approval early Monday afternoon. The government has stated that none of the 441 has "blood on his hands" although many of them planned murderous attacks against Israelis that were carried by other terrorists.
The release of Gaza residents came at the request of Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who is trying to show Hamas that results can be gained through diplomatic demands. Government sources maintained that the release will not adversely affect attempts to free kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert last year stated several times he would not sit down for talks with the PA until Shalit was released.