5 prisoners Israel released arrive at Gaza border

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GAZA, Oct. 29 -- Five Palestinians, who were among the 26 Palestinian detainees Israel decided to release, arrived Tuesday at the Erez crossing point between Gaza and Israel on their way home, witnesses said.

The other 21 inmates are from the West Bank and are expected to be freed by Tuesday evening.

An Israeli bus conveyed the five Palestinians to the Israeli side of the crossing, while families on the Gazan side waited with flags and posters to celebrate the homecoming of their sons, who were detained before the 1993 Oslo peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

On Sunday, an Israeli ministerial committee approved the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners, including some who have spent up to 28 years behind bars. Many of them are convicted of killing Israelis.

As part of a deal to resume peace negotiations in July, Israel and the Palestinians agreed to release the 104 long-serving, pre- Oslo prisoners.

The first group of prisoners was released in August, shortly after the negotiations resumed.

Palestinian officials say the release of the 104 prisoners is not linked to the progress of the negotiations. In exchange for the release of the old inmates, the Palestinian government has frozen bids to join international organizations.

• Israel to release second group of Palestinian prisoners
• Israeli victims' families protest release of Palestinian prisoners

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