Israel frees 300 prisoners

ISRAEL freed more than 300 Palestinian prisoners yesterday, delivering them into the arms of waiting families in near-simultaneous releases across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

But Palestinians widely dismissed Israel's move as an empty gesture that fell far short of the mass release they argue would help push forward the "road map" peace plan, whose implementation has been mired in delays and disagreements.

Four buses, escorted by Israeli police, arrived at Tarqumiya checkpoint in the southern West Bank, one of five handover points. Prisoners leaned from windows and made victory signs before the buses crossed into the Palestinian areas, where they were greeted by whistles and cheers from hundreds of waiting relatives. Other groups were released at Tulkarem, Beitunya and Salem crossings in the West Bank.