Israel freed 200 Palestinian security prisoners Saturday, with many responsible for the deadliest attacks of the Second Intifada, in exchange for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
Salim Hajja, serving 16 life sentences, masterminded the 2001 Haifa bus bombing that killed 15 and wounded 40. As a member of Hamas' Nablus cell, he was also linked to the Sbarro restaurant and Dolphinarium attacks.
Tabed Mardawi, a senior Islamic Jihad operative from Jenin, armed nine suicide bombers in attacks killing 20 Israelis and wounding 150. Sheikh Saleh Dar Mousa orchestrated the Cafe Hillel bombing in Jerusalem that claimed nine lives.
Mahmoud Shriteh, sentenced to seven life terms, planned the 2002 Tel Aviv bus bombing on Allenby Street that killed six. Wael Qassem and Wissam Abbasi executed multiple deadly operations including the Moment Cafe bombing, Sheffield Club attack, and Hebrew University cafeteria bombing.
Mohammed al-Tus, 69, served 40 years for founding a militant cell behind Jerusalem shooting sprees. He was the longest-serving among those released.
The prisoners were distributed between Egypt (70), Judea and Samaria (114), and Gaza (16). One senior Fatah member refused release, choosing to remain in Israeli custody.
In a concerning development, Israel has allegedly agreed to not re-arrest and/or imprison them even if they choose to re-offend.
Breakdown by organization:
- Hamas: 137
- Islamic Jihad: 29
- Fatah: 26
- PFLP: 3
- DFLP: 1
Zakaria Zubeidi was not included in the release, though Israeli forces raided his home in Jenin. Sources indicate he may be part of future exchanges.
Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.
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