The Ministerial Committee dealing with the release of Palestinian prisoners has found ways to include another 380 terrorists on the list of prisoners Israel is willing to free in exchange for Gilad Shalit.
Until now, Israel had agreed to release only some 70 imprisoned terrorists, though Hamas has demanded at least 450, in exchange for the release of captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Terrorists associated with Hamas tunneled under the Gaza-Israel border in June 2006, killed two IDF soldiers, and dragged Shalit, then 20, back with them into captivity. He is known to be alive, but Israel has had nearly no contact with him in the 26 months he has been imprisoned.
The release of terrorists who are described as having "blood on their hands," i.e., were involved in murderous attacks, is generally prohibited according to Israeli policy. It is believed, therefore, that the committee - headed by Vice Premier Chaim Ramon - relaxed the definition of "blood on their hands" in order to be able to release additional terrorists.
The committee convened for two days of discussions on the matter, and has submitted its final list to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak for their approval. Once they approve the list, with or without minor changes, special Israeli negotiator Ofer Dekel will pass it on to Egypt, for transfer to Hamas.
Hamas has threatened that it would up its demand to 1,000 terrorists in exchange for Shalit's freedom.
Foreign Minister Livni said this week that Israel's gestures to the Palestinian Authority, such as opening the Rafah Crossing with Egypt, must be contingent upon progress in the talks for Shalit's release.