Palestinian groups planning celebrations to mark historic swap deal achieved by Resistance

Palestinian groups are planning celebrations to mark the historic swap deal achieved by the Resistance, which would result in the release of hundreds of prisoner "heroes" in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

On Tuesday, 477 Palestinian prisoners, including 27 women, are expected to be freed in the first stage of the deal in return for Shalit, who has been detained for more than five years by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza. Another 550 Palestinian prisoners will walk free within two months.

A spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees told a news conference in Gaza that "all organizations have agreed to begin preparations for the reception of the prisoners, to receive them like heroes with official and popular celebrations." He reported that the organizations expressed their pride in this agreement that Hamas reached with Israel, Shalit. "They said they would continue to make every effort to free every prisoner held in Israel jails," he added, reading a statement.

Ismail Radwan, a Hamas official, for his part said that the "dossier of prisoners remains the priority." He said an official welcoming ceremony would be held at Rafah, the crossing point between the south of Gaza and Egypt with the participation of Hamas and all organizations. "The festivities will then continue in the Gaza Strip," he added.

On Sunday, Israel’s justice ministry published the official list of 477 Palestinian prisoners, including 450 men and 27 women, to be released on Tuesday. "Pursuant to the government of Israel's decision from October 11, 2011, to approve the proceedings of the agreement for the liberation of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas, prisoners will be released as detailed in the following list," said the document which details exactly where each prisoner is to be sent.

On Saturday evening, the files the Palestinian prisoners to be released were delivered to Israeli President Shimon Peres' residence so they can be approved for ‘pardons.’ Over the next two days, the files will be prepared for consideration by Peres. However, the signing of the pardons won't occur until the outcomes of the appeals against the swap deal are decided.


Meanwhile, Israel’s radio reported that the Israeli authorities have begun transferring Palestinian prisoners to jails in the south and center of the country to prepare for the high-profile swap which will see the release of Shalit. The prisoners are scheduled to undergo checks in the Ketziot prison, near the border with Egypt, and in the Sharon facility in the occupied territories, the reports said. Those returning to Gaza, will be going to Egypt first, from where they are scheduled to cross into the coastal enclave via the Rafah border crossing.