Israeli lawmakers demand release of convicted killers of Palestinians

Fifty-five Israeli ministers and members of parliament have urged President Isaac Herzog to pardon Jewish Israelis convicted of murdering Palestinians. The letter, signed by prominent figures like Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, calls for the release of 25 prisoners to "balance" the recent release of Palestinian prisoners in an exchange with Hamas. These calls have intensified since a recent ceasefire, with some describing the convicted Israelis as "political prisoners" and arguing there is no moral justification for their continued imprisonment. Among those whose release is sought are individuals convicted of high-profile murders, including the killing of teenager Mohammed Abu Khdeir and the arson attack that killed three members of the Dawabsheh family.