Palestinians freed in deal with Israel go to hajj

Gaza's Hamas rulers say 300 Palestinian prisoners freed in a recent swap deal for a captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will take part in Islam's annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Hamas border official Maher Abu Sabha says Saudi Arabia offered to fly them to the pilgrimage. He says they will cross from Gaza into Egypt late Friday to catch the flights.

Related stories:

• 477 prisoners handed over to Red Cross
• Gilad Shalit undergoes shrapnel removal surgery
• Meir Dagan: Gilad Shalit not a hero 
  

Israel freed hundreds of Palestinians last month in the first stage of a swap for one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, held captive by Gaza militants for more than five years. Many of those released were jailed for attacks that killed hundreds of civilians.

Millions of Muslims are expected to participate in the pilgrimage that focuses on Mecca, Islam's holiest site and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.

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