Sharon Decides to Pull Out of 5 Palestinian Cities

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon-led security cabinet has approved a plan for a military pullout from the West Bank and the release of Palestinian captives in Israeli prisons. Reuters news agency announced that Israel will complete the withdrawal from positions around five Palestinian cities and release about 900 captives. The Associated Press (AP) reported that 500 Palestinian captives will be released immediately after the Israel-Palestine summit in Egypt scheduled for February 8, and that the remaining 400 will be released within three months.

Palestinian Authority television has reportedly softened its anti-Israeli broadcasting policy. According to news reports in the Israeli media, this softening was reflected in both the Palestinian television’s rhetoric and programs.

The Palestinian Broadcasting Institute also confirmed the change and announced: "Now, there is an atmosphere of peace and hope. Our programs have also changed in line with this atmosphere." Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas held a meeting with the directors of Palestinian television where he issued some directives regarding the broadcasts just after he was elected president. Meanwhile, Abbas noted that they have declared a ceasefire: "We have already declared a ceasefire. The Israeli side should do the same."