Israel releases 429 Palestinian security prisoners

After a series of delays, Israel finally released Monday 429 Palestinian security prisoners jailed in Israel as a goodwill gesture to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas following the Annapolis peace conference.

At about 7 am Monday, the first three buses, carrying over 140 prisoners, left the Ketziot prison in the Negev and made their way to the Bitunia checkpoint near Ramallah, where the prisoners were handed over to the PA security forces.

At 8:30 am, another 150 prisoners were freed, including 20 Gaza residents who were taken to the Erez crossing near the Strip. About an hour later, the remainder of the prisoners boarded buses and left for Bitunia.

Returning to West Bank (Photo: AP)

The release processes was carried out in stages, so as not to create too much additional pressure on the crowded Bitunia crossing.

Prior to their release, the prisoners underwent medical checks and their identity was verified using fingerprints. The men also signed statements in which they pledge not to engage in terror in the future, and met with representatives of the Red Cross.

Head of the Israel Prison Service Southern District, Lieutenant Colonel Eli Gabizon, told Ynet that the release process went according to plans, and that the prisoners were very excited about going home.

"They were scheduled to be released last Sunday, but the release was postponed for yesterday, and then again for today. Over the last week the prisoners have been very nervous and uncertain about their release," he explained.

On Sunday, Jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti commented on the prisoners' release, saying, "Tomorrow's prisoners' release is a joke. Most of those slated for release would have been freed a few months from now anyway.

"Israel can free thousands of prisoners, not just 400. Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) requested the release of more prisoners but was denied by Israel," he said.