Movement in the right direction:
JERUSALEM, Dec. 25 —Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, acting on a pledge to the Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, on Monday approved the removal of more than two dozen military checkpoints in the West Bank that have severely restricted Palestinian movements.
Mr. Olmert also said Israel would take immediate steps to improve the flow of goods in and out of the Gaza Strip. The main crossing point there has often been closed this year, stifling commerce in the impoverished coastal territory.
The Israeli moves are part of a package of concessions Mr. Olmert presented to Mr. Abbas when the two leaders held talks on Saturday night, their first official meeting since Mr. Olmert became prime minister early this year. Israel says it is trying to support Mr. Abbas, who is from the Fatah movement, in his power struggle with Hamas, the radical Islamist group that controls most of the Palestinian government.
yeah, but it was followed by an announcement the next day that approval has been given for construction of a NEW SETTLEMENT in the West Bank. not expansion of an existing one, but a new settlement.
just as the release of any prisoners will assuredly be followed by the assassination of a key Palestinian figure.