1 Mideast tensions: Israel released two Syrian prisoners Sunday in what it described as a “goodwill gesture” after the repatriation of the remains of an Israeli soldier who went missing more than 35 years ago. Israel has insisted that the release was not a quid pro quo for the return of Zachary Baumel’s remains earlier this month. Syrian state TV reported the two prisoners, Zeidan Tawil and Khamis al-Ahmad, arrived on the Syrian side of the Quneitra crossing after being released. Baumel went missing during the Sultan Yacoub battle between the Israeli army and Syrian forces during Israel’s 1982 invasion …read more
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
