Published today (updated) 02/10/2009 11:40
Bethlehem - Ma'an - A six-car convoy holding 19 Palestinian women set to be released Friday afternoon left Israel's Hashomar prison shortly after 11:30 Friday, en route to the Ofer detention center where they were released.
The release of the women comes following Israel's confirmation that officials received a tape of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The deal, 20 women for a one minute video, was brokered by Germany, sides said.
On Thursday controversy erupted when it was discovered two of the women set for release in the deal, one detained when she was 13, were set for release only days following the deal. Israel reportedly replaced one of the women, while the 20th will be released Sunday, Israeli sources said.
The prisoners were seen smiling and waving from the prison vehicles as they made their way from the institution.
The release of the women comes following Israel's confirmation that officials received a tape of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The deal, 20 women for a one minute video, was brokered by Germany, sides said.
On Thursday controversy erupted when it was discovered two of the women set for release in the deal, one detained when she was 13, were set for release only days following the deal. Israel reportedly replaced one of the women, while the 20th will be released Sunday, Israeli sources said.
The prisoners were seen smiling and waving from the prison vehicles as they made their way from the institution.
