Jerusalem
Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas pulled out of a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon this week after a disagreement over prisoner releases. Israel said it would free several hundred Palestinian prisoners, but the Palestinians want amnesty for all 6,000. The “road map” peace plan that the two sides are supposed to be pursuing does not require Israel to release prisoners, but the issue has become a major sticking point. Talks also broke down over the fate of 17 militants holed up with Yassir Arafat at his West Bank compound. Israel indicated it would lift the siege on Arafat if he transferred the men, who are suspected of terrorism, to a Palestinian-run prison. But the men refused to go.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Today's political cartoons - February 19, 2025Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - marking territory, living under a rock, and more
-
Mickey 17: 'charming space oddity' that's a 'sparky one-off'The Week Recommends 'Remarkable' Robert Pattinson stars in Bong Joon-ho's sci-fi comedy
-
EastEnders at 40: are soaps still relevant?Talking Point Albert Square's residents are celebrating, but falling viewer figures have fans worried the soap bubble has burst
