In a completely uncharacteristic move, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel is prepared to �withdraw from considerable territory�, free�Palestinian prisoners, and release funds to the Palestinian Authority in exchange for the�return of a soldier seized in June. He also said that, “With Gilad Shalit’s release and his return safe and sound to his family, the Israeli government will be willing to release many Palestinian prisoners, even those who have been sentenced to lengthy terms.” This is the first time any sort of prisoner swap has actually been considered by the Prime Minister, who has favored the disproportionate use of force since Shalit was captured. Olmert continued to shock and awe by saying that if peace talks began, a Palestinian state in the occupied West Bank and Gaza were possible.

What�s even more shocking is that Olmert�s change of tune is said to be the result of pressure from the US to change his policy towards Palestine and restart the peace process. What�s that you say, Washington promoting peace? An Al Jazeera correspondent in occupied Gaza noticed the shift in policy, noting, “Palestinian officials say that Mahmoud Abbas has had his hand extended in peace since he was elected, but Olmert has not been receptive.” Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat was ready to negotiate with Israel on a final peace deal. “We hope to also take the ceasefire to the West Bank in the next few days and we stand ready, if Mr Olmert wishes, to resume negotiations,” said Erekat.

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