JERUSALEM, Feb 16 (AFP) - The Israeli prison service published a list Wednesday of 500 Palestinians who have been approved for release in the coming days as part of a package of goodwill gestures.
The names of 382 prisoners who have been convicted of offences and another 118 who are being held in administrative detention were posted on the prison service's website.
The names are being published in order to allow Israelis to file appeals against any of those slated for release.
A ministerial commission chaired by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon approved the releases on Sunday, laying down that no-one convicted of taking part in deadly attacks could go free or anyone who has served less than two-thirds of their sentence.
Israel has also agreed in principle to release another 400 prisoners of the estimated 7,600 overall Palestinian prison population, whose names will be discussed in bilateral negotiations.
Both sides are also currently finalising an agreement to allow for the transfer of security control in parts of the West Bank from the Israeli army to the Palestinian Authority.
02/16/2005 16:17 GMT - AFP