Israel Returning Bodies of Palestinian Terrorists Behind Most Heinous Attacks

In a gesture to the Palestinian Authority, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is going ahead with the transfer of the bodies of Palestinian terrorists responsible for some of the most heinous attacks, primarily those that took place during the second Intifada [the period of unbridled violence against Israel from the fall of 2000 into 2005]. Although the return of a total of 100 bodies has been agreed upon, 91 will be transferred on Thursday. One of those carried out an attack on a Jerusalem city bus that left 18 dead; and two others blew themselves up on a bus in the southern city of Beer Sheva, killing 16. Adding to the controversy among Israelis is the official ceremony to receive the bodies in Ramallah that will be presided over by Palestinian leadership. Israel insists that the glorification of those responsible for deadly attacks on Israel’s civilian population incites hatred and prevents creation of an atmosphere conducive to peace.