Israel releases Palestinian prisoners after delays

Occupied Jerusalem: About 230 Palestinian prisoners were to be freed by Israel on Monday, after an almost weeklong delay.

The prisoners are being released as part of a goodwill gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The prisoners, only a fraction of the 11,000 Palestinians held by Israel, were to be released last week to coincide with the Muslim Eid Al Adha holiday.

However, Israeli officials said Palestinians sought a delay for logistical reasons. Abbas had been attending the Haj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

But Palestinian officials denied requesting any postponement, saying it stemmed from Israeli legal procedures.

The release was further delayed for several hours on Monday as Israel's high court heard an appeal from Israeli rightists who customarily object to freeing Palestinian prisoners.