The Associated Press reported that Zakariya Zubeidi, who used to be seen as a major terrorist organizer just two years ago, has been granted full amnesty by the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet.

This is a major milestone to a significantly underreported transformation of Jenin from a hotbed of extremism into a pillar of progress, thanks to progress by Prime Minister Fayyad and President Abbas, with support from the US Military envoy.  It could be a critical turning point not just in the construction of a vibrant and secure Palestinian State, but of course also in the process of achieving a comprehensive Israeli-Arab agreement - if only more people were informed about these positive developments.

Israel grants amnesty to former Palestinian gunman

The Associated Press

Friday, October 10, 2008

JERUSALEM: Israeli security officials say a prominent Palestinian gunman who renounced violence has been declared harmless and granted full amnesty by the Shin Bet security service.

The officials say this week’s decision means Zakariya Zubeidi is no longer wanted for involvement in attacks against Israelis. Zubeidi led a militant group allied with the Fatah movement in the West Bank town of Jenin. Israel’s repeated attempts to arrest or kill him failed.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision was not officially announced. A spokeswoman for the Shin Bet declined comment Friday.

As part of an amnesty deal with hundreds of Fatah gunmen earlier this year, Israel took Zubeidi off its wanted list but he remained subject to movement restrictions. He now works in a children’s theater in Jenin.

Tags: Palestine, Israel, Mideast Negotiations //