Israel to free 150 Palestinian prisoners

Israel began the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners from three detention facilities today to relieve overcrowding.

The army said that all the prisoners were close to completing their terms.

Military officials said the release would be completed within three days and said that none of the prisoners was convicted of killing Israelis.

Israel is holding about 7,500 Palestinian prisoners in a prison system that was designed before the outbreak of Palestinian-Israeli violence in 2000.

A Palestinian prisoner at the Megiddo detention facility in northern Israel said tents meant to hold 18 men were now accommodating as many as 25, and that “dozens” of prisoners were sleeping outside.