This Friday, Israel is permitting the return of 16 terrorists to their Judea and Samaria homes. They were exiled to Palestinian Authority-controlled areas of Gaza in recent years as a result of their involvement in terrorist activities. In addition, Israel has agreed that once security control of Bethlehem is turned over to the PA, 20 of the 39 terrorists exiled to Europe and Gaza in the wake of the 2002 Church of the Nativity standoff will be permitted to return.
Following high-level consultations on Thursday, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz announced his decision, as Israel continues exhibiting goodwill towards the PA. Mofaz stressed, however, that any of the terrorists "with blood on their hands" would not be permitted to return.
At the end of a five-week standoff at the Church of the Nativity three years ago, 123 gunmen were permitted to leave the area in a deal agreed to by Israel. 13 terrorists were exiled to European destinations and 26 sent to Gazan autonomous areas. The remainder was checked against wanted lists and eventually permitted to return to their homes in PA areas.
Defense Minister Mofaz also announced Thursday the removal of age restrictions at the Rafiach crossing from Gaza to Egypt. Previously, only those over the age of 25 were allowed passage. He also said another 500 Gaza Arabs will be issued permits to work within the pre-1967 borders, bringing the total number to 1,500.
Following high-level consultations on Thursday, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz announced his decision, as Israel continues exhibiting goodwill towards the PA. Mofaz stressed, however, that any of the terrorists "with blood on their hands" would not be permitted to return.
At the end of a five-week standoff at the Church of the Nativity three years ago, 123 gunmen were permitted to leave the area in a deal agreed to by Israel. 13 terrorists were exiled to European destinations and 26 sent to Gazan autonomous areas. The remainder was checked against wanted lists and eventually permitted to return to their homes in PA areas.
Defense Minister Mofaz also announced Thursday the removal of age restrictions at the Rafiach crossing from Gaza to Egypt. Previously, only those over the age of 25 were allowed passage. He also said another 500 Gaza Arabs will be issued permits to work within the pre-1967 borders, bringing the total number to 1,500.