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For Some Palestinians Released in Prisoner Swap, Freedom Is Relative
(Christian Science Monitor) Rebecca Collard - Of the roughly 100 former Palestinian prisoners released in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem, 55 will remain under Israeli security restrictions that include limits to their movements and regular check-ins with Israeli authorities. The restrictions vary based on a risk assessment completed by the Israel Prison System, with some barred from leaving their village or city. Israel says these restrictions are necessary to protect its citizens because, left alone, some of the former prisoners may soon begin plotting attacks again. "A high proportion, we've learned from past experience, return to activities in terrorist organizations," says Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev. The arrangements allow Israel to "monitor activities" of the released prisoners, he says. Although Israel is relying heavily on the PA to keep an eye on the released prisoners' activities in the West Bank, Israel will be solely responsible for enforcing these security arrangements, says Maj. Guy Inbar, spokesman for the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. The prisoners deemed by Israel as "high threat" - about 200 - will not return home, at least not immediately. Most were sent to Gaza, which is deemed a more secure place for them because of the strict procedures for entering Israel. About 40 prisoners deemed the highest risk were sent abroad to Turkey, Qatar, Syria, and Jordan. "We didn't want to see hardcore terrorists back in the West Bank, where they could more easily target Israelis," says Regev. "It's clear from the celebrations yesterday in Gaza that these murderers are not showing remorse for killing innocent civilians and Hamas calls them heroes. Anyone that had the illusion that Hamas is somehow moderating their position, this should serve as a wake-up call."