Israel pardons former militants

JERUSALEM, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Israel pardoned members of the Fatah military wing in the West Bank for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, Maan news agency said.

In an exclusive report published Thursday, the news agency said the Palestinian Authority sought pardons for 93 former militants but only 26 were approved.

However, The Jerusalem Post said Friday, Israel granted pardons to 92 Palestinians who appeared on the list, as a gesture to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israel's decision means the former militants will no longer have to report to Palestinian security officials at night, the news agency said.

Since 2007, Israel has insisted former West Bank residents involved in terrorist activities who agreed to lay down their arms sign a waiver, hand over their weapons and refrain from terrorist activities, in exchange for a guarantee to roam freely, the news agency said.

Ala Sanakreh, a 29-year-old resident of the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus and former Fatah military wing commander, told Maan he was elated by news of his pardon. Sanakreh, who works in the PA security forces described the decision as a step towards peace.