However, those released were mostly common criminals rather than political prisoners. Israel continued to destroy Palestinian homes built without permits throughout 1998, displacing hundreds. Building permits are nearly impossible for West Bank Palestinians to obtain. Along with residency rights, these Palestinians lost health insurance and other social benefits. Meanwhile, the Israeli government approved the vast expansion and construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, offering economic incentives to prospective Jewish settlers.
Israeli soldiers shoot rubber-coated bullets indiscriminately at Palestinian demonstrators.
Four Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces at military checkpoints and roadblocks, and Israeli officers killed several other Palestinians whom they claimed were involved in acts of terrorism. A 1997 draft law limits the right of Palestinians to claim compensation for wrongful injury or death caused by Israeli soldiers. Official Palestinian radio and television are government mouthpieces. In 1998, a Reuters office and a television station were shut down. Late in the year, dozens of journalists were arrested and numerous news offices were temporarily closed for covering pro-Iraqi demonstrations.