Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has decided to relax the criteria for releasing Palestinian prisoners, a move that could advance negotiations with the militant Hamas over the release of an Israeli soldier, officials said Tuesday.
Israel's refusal to release Palestinian prisoners involved in deadly attacks on Israelis has blocked a deal for the freedom of the soldier, Cpl. Gilad Schalit. Militants affiliated with Hamas captured Schalit in June 2006 in a cross-border attack on an Israeli army post.
Hamas has demanded in talks mediated by Egypt that Israel release hundreds of prisoners in exchange for the return of Schalit, who is believed to be alive. …
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