[originaltext] Israel has begun releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners a

Israel has begun releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners at Erez crossing points in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon released 500 prisoners shortly after agreeing on truce with the Palestinians in February, but delayed releasing more until now. Israel is planning to withdraw from the Gaza Strip in August. M. P reports from Jerusalem.
   "At drop-off points across the West Bank and one in Gaza, Palestinian prisoners emerged from their Israeli buses and kissed the ground. Nearby crowds of family members and supporters waved flags and cheered their release. For them, these are political prisoners, and they continue to demand the release of the more than 7,000 Palestinians being held in Israeli jails, Israel was careful not to release those involved in attacks against its citizens. Most of the inmates have served the majority of their sentences."