The first to benefit from Israel's handover of the West Bank town of Tulkarem to Palestinian control were dozens of fugitive gunmen -- returning to their homes after Israel pledged to call off its manhunts as part of the deal.
The Tuesday transfer made Tulkarem the second of five towns to be handed back to Palestinian control in the framework of a Feb. 8 summit that brought a declaration of an end to more than four years of violence.
Since the conflict erupted in 2000, Israeli forces have made hundreds of forays into Palestinian towns and villages, arresting thousands of suspects -- and have killed dozens of others in airstrikes.
"For the first time in 2 1/2 years, I feel at ease," said Hosni Abu Zgheib, 30, of the violent Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, loosely affiliated with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' ruling Fatah Party.
Abu Zgheib, a father of three, said he spent little time at home in the last two years, constantly moving from one safe house to another and making occasional visits to see his daughters.
Lounging in the living room of another Aqsa gunman Tuesday, drinking coffee and chain smoking with colleagues, Abu Zgheib, a former Palestinian policemen, said he welcomed the change.
"Tonight is the first night I'll sleep at home without worrying the army is going to come banging on my door," he said.
At a Feb. 8 summit in Egypt, Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared an end to more than four years of bloodshed. As part of the agreement, Israel agreed to stop killing and arresting wanted militants.
Israel also promised to transfer control of five West Bank towns to the Palestinian Authority. After lengthy negotiations, Israel handed over Jericho last week. Tulkarem, located in the northern West Bank along the 1949 cease-fire line that divides Israel from the West Bank, was the second town transferred.
Like Jericho, however, the transfer was delayed by disagreements. Israel cited security concerns for its insistence on holding on to roadblocks and some territory, while the Palestinians accused Israel of intentionally frustrating the process.
Difficulties over the first two towns could be an indication of potential disputes ahead. The next town to be handed over is Qalqiliya, which like Tulkarem is located on the line between Israel and the West Bank. Bethlehem is next, to be followed by Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian government.
Tulkarem store owner Nashat Salem said "a little more organization" is the only real benefit from the handover.
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