Israeli-Palestinian Prisoner Swap Offers Little New Hope for Peace

(Washington Post) Editorial - On closer inspection, the deal between Hamas and the government of Prime Minister Netanyahu looks likely to inject more poison into an already bitter standoff. Palestinians, including President Mahmoud Abbas, celebrated the returning murderers and would-be suicide bombers as heroes: "You are freedom fighters and holy warriors," said Abbas, who is often credited with opposing violence. In Israel, there was anger over the evidently weak physical condition of Gilad Shalit, who was abducted from Israeli territory by Hamas fighters and held hostage for more than five years. Israeli officials argued that the deal showed Mr. Netanyahu's willingness to make painful compromises with the Palestinians.


2011-10-21 00:00:00

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