Click on Link to download or play MP3 file || 3 m 0s || 2.76 MBWelcome to Palestine Today, a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www.imemc.org, for Monday August 25th, 2008.
As Israel releases 199 Palestinian prisoners, 130 were taken prisoner during the month of August, meanwhile Palestinian factions discuss truce in Egypt, these stories and more coming up, stay tuned.
The News Cast
Israeli army troops invaded the West Bank cities of Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, Tubas and Hebron on Monday morning and kidnapped 10 Palestinian civilians.
In Ramallah area, Troops kidnapped four Palestinians from the town of Beitunia after searching their homes. Meanwhile two others were taken prisoner in the nearby refugee camp of Al Jalazon.
In The West Bank city of Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers raided Dar Salah village, east of the city. Soldiers spread through out several neighborhoods and ransacked houses, and kidnapped 3 civilians taking them to an unknown destination.
Moreover, troops invaded the West Bank city of Tubas and the nearby refugee camps. The soldiers setup several road blocks at the refugee camps entrances restricting the movement of civilians.
Meanwhile In Jenin area, troops invaded several villages, and deployed in the streets and shot intensive random gunfire and concussion grenades and ransacked houses. The reason behind this invasion remains unknown.
Israel has released 199 Palestinian prisoners on Monday morning ahead of a visit to the region by Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state. Palestinian sources reported.
The Israeli cabinet had approved a list of 199 detainees for release describing it as a ‘goodwill’ gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
As Israel occasionally release a number of Palestinian prisoners, the number of the currently imprisoned Palestinians continue to grow. There are over 11,000 Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli detention centers.
130 Palestinians have been taken prisoner In the month of August, alone and 313 in July, which is more than double the number of the released prisoners Today.
In the mean time, Palestinian factions and Egyptian intelligence officials are meeting in Cairo today to discuss the case of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and have a new round of truce talks.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us from occupied Bethlehem. You have been listening to Palestine Today from the International Middle East Media Center, www.imemc.org. This report has been brought to you by Rula Shahwan and George Rishmawi.
