41.   However, each time he gradually released the detainees in hopes of avoiding a violent confrontation and negotiating a cease-fire agreement with his political rivals.

42.   In exchange, the militants have called on Egypt to release detainees, break ties with Israel and allow the country to be governed by Islamic Sharia law.

43.   In many cases, detainees are later released as innocent.

44.   In contrast, U.S. agents investigating the explosion in Oklahoma City were forced to release some detainees after days or hours for lack of evidence.

45.   In such cases, detainees are released as soon as the relevant paperwork has been completed, which can take a day.

46.   In Washington, the U.S. State Department said the rebel group was cooperating with efforts to release the detainees.

47.   In the end, the Palestinian Authority can only release detainees with U.S. approval, Yediot said.

48.   Israel has complained that previous arrest sweeps in which security forces rounded up scores of militants were ineffective because detainees were usually released after a few days.

49.   Israeli critics maintain the arrests have been ineffective and superficial, noting detainees are generally released quickly and none have ever been brought to trial.

50.   Israel radio said Monday that Palestinain prisoners were threatening a hunger strike unless all the female detainees were released.