Israel to hand over Jericho to Palestine

The office of Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz reported on Israeli public radio that "Jericho will be transfered to Palestinian control on Wednesday and Tulkmarm will be transfered at the beginning of next week."

The move is seen as the start of the West Bank withdrawal, following a ceasefire that was agreed by both sides at a summit held in Egypt early last month. It is a welcomed scene after the stalling of peace talks between both sides almost four years ago.

According to Israeli political sources, Israel also agreed to show flexibility over the release of Palestinian prisoners.