Free at Last: Israel Releases 198 Palestinian Prisoners

Israel released 198 Palestinian prisoners yesterday, including the longest-serving inmate, in a "goodwill gesture" to encourage diplomatic negotiations.

The prisoners were greeted with noisy celebrations when they crossed through the first checkpoint into the occupied West Bank and again at the presidential compound in Ramallah. But there was little sign that this third prisoner release since the latest peace talks began a year ago heralded any progress in negotiations to end the conflict. It came on the same day that the US secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, arrived in Jerusalem for talks with both sides.

No prisoners from Hamas or Islamic Jihad were released and Israel said the process was intended to support Mahmoud Abbas, the Fatah leader and Palestinian president. The release has brought criticism from Hamas.

Addressing a large crowd in Ramallah yesterday, Abbas told the prisoners they were a "symbol of steadfastness". "There is no doubt we are seeking peace and we are calling for the achievement of our national principles," he said. "There will be no peace without the release of all prisoners."

Around 9,000 Palestinians remain in jail for political crimes.