Israel frees hundreds of Palestinian prisoners

Ali Daraghmeh, Tulkarem

The prisoner release the final part of an Israeli pledge to free 900 prisoners as part of the February 8 truce and the summit could help the sides move toward coordinating Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip this summer. Pledges to co-ordinate the pull-out have made little progress.

In neighbouring Jordan, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas was released from hospital after undergoing a heart procedure. Mr Abbas, who has a history of heart trouble, told reporters he felt "just fine".

Doctors said Mr Abbas underwent a coronary angiogram a common procedure to ensure the arteries are not clogged. Officials said Mr Abbas' June 21 summit with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remained on schedule.

The 398 Palestinian prisoners were released at different checkpoints in the West Bank and at the Erez crossing into Gaza, where they were warmly welcomed by joyous relatives.

Sami Abu Nahal, 42, from the Beach refugee camp in Gaza, said he was looking forward to meeting his 4-year-old daughter for the first time, but still had mixed feelings about his release. "I can smell the freedom. I am happy to see my daughter, Wala," said Abu Nahal, who spent four years in prison. "But at the same time I'm feeling sad because I left friends and brothers inside the Israeli jails."

The fate of the prisoners held by Israel is extremely emotional for Palestinians, and Mr Abbas has attempted to make their release a priority. There are an estimated 8,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

The Palestinians have complained that in the past Israel only freed prisoners who had committed minor infractions and were near the end of their sentences.

For the first time, Israel released nearly 90 prisoners who had only served a fraction of their sentences.