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PA says ‘prisoner issue’ always discussed in meetings with Israeli officials
Palestinian Authority officials say they consistently ask Israel to free prisoners, responding to Hebrew media reports that PA President Mahmoud Abbas asked Israel to release 25 Palestinians in Israeli jail.
“The issue of prisoners is a constant demand in all dialogues and at all levels,” says Abbas adviser Hussein al-Sheikh.
The Ynet news site reported earlier today that Abbas asked Defense Minister Benny Gantz to free some 25 Palestinian prisoners serving long-term sentences in Israeli jail.
Abbas reportedly told Gantz during last month’s meeting that such a move would strengthen him against his Hamas rivals.
Abbas spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeinah says that PA officials always discuss “the prisoner issue” with their Israeli counterparts, without commenting on the specifics of the report.
