Khalil Abu-Ziad, described by Israeli security authorities as a senior Fatah leader in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, departed with his wife for Amman yesterday under an unprecedented agreement he reached last weekend with the authorities.
Abu-Ziad, an East Jerusalem resident, had served a 10-year prison term, and another three years under administrative house arrest for his involvement in Fatah, the largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
He was served August 8 with a deportation order signed by Gen. Amnon Shahak, head of the Military Command. The Military Command said Abu-Ziad was a security risk, and his deportation was essential for the safety of the population.
He appealed the deportation order to the High Court of Justice, but even before the court reviewed the case, Abu-Ziad reached an agreement with the authorities. According to the agreement, he would voluntarily leave the country for three years, and would be allowed to return after three years on the condition that during this period he did not associate himself in anti-Israeli activities.
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