Qaraqe: Israel Chose Second Stage Released Prisoners

Ramallah, December 19 (QNA) - Palestinian Minister of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Issa Qaraqe criticized the terms of prisoner swap deal agreed with Israel two months ago to exchange 1027 Palestinian prisoners in Israel with Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit who was held by Gaza resistance groups. Qaraqe said that Israel chose those released in the second stage of the deal where Hamas had no say over the names. "This deal was solely controlled by the Israeli side," Qaraqe said in statements where he voiced his discontent with Hamas acceptance that second stage prisoners be chosen by Israel. Qaraqe said that Palestinians are very happy to see a number of their detained people released and return to their families but criticized the fact that the second stage of the deal didn't include old, ill or handicapped prisoners and that most of the released would have finished their jail terms soon. "It also didn't include the remaining five female prisoners inside Israeli jails," Qaraqe added. (QNA)