A spokesman for the International Red Cross said today that the remaining six hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross in Amman and were safe. Meanwhile, in London, it was expected that Laila Khaled, the Arab terrorist who was captured while trying to hijack an El Al airliner on Sept. 6, will be set free by the British after the hostages have left the Middle East. British authorities have never disclosed how she would be sent out of England or to which country she would be sent. At the same time in Bonn, Germany, government spokesman Konrad Ahleers said that if any of the three Arab terrorists held in West Germany requested asylum, the request would be considered by the West German government. Diplomatic circles considered the statement a “loophole” which would permit the Government to release the terrorists even if the other governments opposed the move. The government fears new acts of terrorism would occur if the three terrorists now being held were placed on trial.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
