Mass prisoner release to bolster embattled Abbas

ISRAEL released more than 250 Palestinian prisoners yesterday, aiming to bolster embattled president, Mahmoud Abbas, in his power struggle with the Islamic militants of Hamas, which took control of Gaza by force last month.

Several thousand chanting, clapping Palestinians greeted the prisoners as their buses rolled into Mr Abbas’ headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Prisoners — almost all from Mr Abbas’ Fatah movement — were hoisted onto the shoulders of dancing supporters, before they performed noon prayers in a large, open-sided tent.

“This is the beginning,” said Mr Abbas, wearing a black-and-white checked scarf, a symbol of Palestinian nationalism. “Efforts must continue. Our work must continue until every prisoner returns to his home.”

Hamas belittled the release.

“This step has no real value because most of the prisoners are from one faction, and most were about to be released,” said spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri.

Israel and officials of Mr Abbas’ government said they hoped the release marked a new chapter in relations.