Israel’s Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition opposing the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners, paving the way for their release as a goodwill gesture ahead of fragile peace talks.
The court’s decision came on the eve of the second round of US-brokered peace talks between the Jewish nation and the Palestinian Authority.
The court’s nod, following a heated but affirmative vote by the Government last week, set the stage for pardoning the long-term prisoners and releasing them on Tuesday night, Israel Prisons Services officials said.
The Supreme Court deliberated on the petition on Sunday, a few hours before the Ministerial committee finalised the list of 26 prisoners to be released as part of Israel’s goodwill gestures to the Palestinians ahead of the resumption of talks.
In an official statement, Supreme Court President Asher Grunis wrote, “There is no dispute that the issue at hand is difficult and sensitive. Our hearts go out to the families of the terror victims. The Government is authorised to appoint a Ministerial Committee which will look into various issues regarding prisoners’ release.”