August 17, 2008

The Israeli cabinet approves the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners as a gesture to PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas to encourage progress in ongoing final status negotiations (see Quarterly Update in JPS 149 for background). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in, fires on residential areas of Tulkarm, causing no reported injuries; conducts house searches nr. Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Eitza'il nr. Hebron attack several nearby Palestinian shepherds and their sheep. (IFM 8/17; WP 8/18; NYT 8/19; OCHA 8/20; PCHR 8/21)