In a Saturday meeting in the Gaza Strip, Fatah's 126-member Revolutionary Council, the movement's second-most powerful body, expressed its support to Tuesday's summit of regional leaders as an important step in pushing the peace process forward.
"We are cautiously optimistic. There are political horizons that have been opened and we must deal with it with all responsibility and seriousness," said Tayeb Abdel Rahim, a prominent Fatah official.
Israeli sources told Israel Radio on Saturday that the government has yet to reach an agreement with the PA regarding the release of prisoners. Israeli officials said they believed the issue will be resolved prior to Tuesday's summit meeting.
Officials added, however, that Israel will not release prisoners "with blood on their hands", or those with direct involvement in operations that killed Israelis, Israel Radio reported.
Vice Premier Shimon Peres told the radio that it is possible to bridge the remaining gaps with the Palestinians over the issue of prisoners. He also said he expects Tuesday's summit to be a success.
