JERUSALEM, July 6 (UPI) -- Israel's Cabinet Sunday approved criteria for releasing Palestinian prisoners, a major Palestinian demand.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told his Cabinet a release would strengthen Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Minister of State for Security Affairs Mohammad Dahlan, who are less popular than Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
The Cabinet initially quashed the plan. Three ministers changed their minds after Justice Minister Tommy Lapid said refusal to release prisoners would kill the peace process. The motion passed 13 to nine in a subsequent vote.
The government would not say how many prisoners are likely to be freed. Unofficial estimates talk of 300 out of 6,000 Israel is holding. They will be released gradually, providing the cease-fire is maintained Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz told reporters.
Mofaz noted a drop in planned Palestinian attacks and less incitement but said it would take months to determine where the process is heading.
