Israel releases 224 Palestinian prisoners

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-16-2008 09:38

Israel has released 224 Palestinian prisoners. Monday's move was seen as a gesture to moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Andrew Dupuis takes a closer look.

Relatives welcome Palestinian prisoners who was freed at Erez crossing point in northern Gaza Strip, Dec. 15, 2008. Israel released 224 Palestinians held in its prisons on Monday, nearly a week later than planned, in a move it described as a goodwill gesture to Palestinian President  Mahmoud Abbas. (Xinhua Photo)

On Monday, jubilant detainees waving Palestinian flags jumped on the roof of the buses carrying them to freedom.

Most of the buses drove from Israel's Ofer prison camp in the West Bank. Hundreds of Palestinians waited for a first glimpse of the detainees at a nearby military checkpoint.

From the checkpoint, the buses were to head to Abbas' headquarters in the nearby town of Ramallah for a welcome ceremony.