Friday, March 4, 2011

9 Palestinians return to Gaza from Egypt jail


Published Friday 04/03/2011 (updated) 04/03/2011 20:46
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Nine Palestinians arrived in the Gaza Strip on Thursday after being released from Egyptian jails, locals said.

Two of the freed men were identified as Abdallah Abu Raya and Nedal Hamada, affiliates of the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, the Al-Quds Brigades.

Egyptian authorities released 12 Palestinians from the Al-Aqrab prison on Thursday, a spokesman for the families of the detained said.

Over 20 Palestinians in the jail began a hunger strike in mid-February demanding their release, after a decision to free them was revoked by Egyptian authorities.

There are an additional 32 Palestinians who remain in Egyptian custody, according to families who have been in touch with the prisoners.

A prisoners' committee urged Egypt's high military council to free the remaining Palestinians, some of whom have been detained for many years despite receiving court orders for their release.

At least eight Palestinian prisoners escaped from Egypt's jails and returned to Gaza during the uprising which overthrew leader Hosni Mubarak.

In mid-February, Egyptian authorities released 14 Palestinian prisoners, a detainees affairs official said.