RAMALLAH, October 18, 2011 (WAFA) – Palestinian prisoners, who were released by Israel today in exchange for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Tuesday arrived in Ramallah and Gaza.
President Mahmoud Abbas received the prisoners in the presidential headquarters in Ramallah with a number of senior PLO officials and Hamas leaders.
The prisoners were scheduled to be transferred through Ofer crossing in Beitunya, but the Israeli government made a last minute change in plans and delivered them near Qalandia and other crossings.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh also received the prionsers who arrived in Gaza in a series of celebrations to celebrate the succes of the deal.
M.H./F.J.
