Israel will transfer some $100 million in frozen taxes to the Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas during a meeting in Jerusalem on Saturday.
The two leaders met at Olmert’s official residence in Jerusalem. Israeli officials said the two-hour meeting was conducted “in a good and friendly atmosphere.”
Olmert agreed to transfer the money, which Israel has been holding since Hamas came to power, in order to provide supplies to Palestinian hospitals, maintain their operations and deal with the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population.
It was agreed that money would not be transferred to the Hamas government.
The two leaders also agreed to consider extending the cease-fire to the West Bank, if the cease-fire is adhered to in Gaza.
Olmert demanded Palestinians stop firing Qassam rockets onto Israeli communities and stop smuggling weapons into the Gaza Strip.
The two leaders also agreed to set up a joint committee that will decide on criteria for releasing prisoners.
Olmert said Palestinian prisoners would be released only after the release of Cpl. Gilad Shalit. Three armed Palestinian groups took responsibility for Shalit’s abduction on the Gazan border on June 25. He is thought to be held in Gaza.
Hamas said meetings between Palestinians and Israelis would not serve the Palestinian cause.
Hamas spokesman Isma’il Ra’dwan said Israel was putting pressure on the presidency and the Palestinian Authority while neglecting the Palestinians’ legitimate rights, according to Quds Press.
This was the first meeting between the two leaders since June.