Israel delayed prisoner release to kill joy of families

• Image Credit: Reuters
• Palestinian prisoners, released by Israel in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, wave from buses as they make their way through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza on Tuesday.

Ramallah, West Bank: Thousands of family members of Palestinian prisoners gathered from around the West Bank in the wee hours at the Betonia Crossing at the Israeli Military Prison of Ofra to meet their loved ones.
They said the time they spent at the prison waiting for their loved ones was too long and the delay in releasing the prisoners has been deliberate to kill the joy of the families.
Jamal Bsharat, who was waiting to receive his brother Eyad, told Gulf News that "this is the most joyful moment of his life and it is like the liberation of Palestine".
"This is a day for the whole Palestine," he said.
"No family can ever describe the way they feel when a loved one is released from the Israeli jails," he said.
"Prisoners released from the Israeli jails are like ‘rising from the dead' as families lose hope to see their loved ones free again," he said, stressing that the credit goes to prisoners swap deal.
Ahmad Sharawnah, brother of Ayman, told Gulf News that this is a historic moment for the Palestinians, mainly the families of the prisoners whose freedom will change their lives. "Release from prison is the biggest blessing God grants to a prisoner, especially for those who live under harsh conditions behind the Israeli bars," he said.
Asaad Dawoud, father of Ebrahim, arrived in an ambulance to meet his son although doctors advised him not to go and other family members stressed the aged father was almost dying.
Dawoud told Gulf News that his only wish in life will be fulfilled. "Now I can leave this world with joy and in peace," he said.


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