Israel freed 159 Palestinian prisoners on Monday as a gesture to Egypt and moderate new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, but he called for a "serious release" of thousands of security detainees. Abbas, trying to persuade Palestinian militants to stop fighting to help revive talks on Palestinian statehood with Israel, has made prisoner releases part of his campaign for a January 9 presidential election to elect a successor to Yasser Arafat who died in November.
Detainees freed to tearful reunions with relatives kissed the ground and flashed V-for-victory signs. Cars honked horns and carried some prisoners around in a celebratory procession.
Palestinian leaders welcomed the release of 113 men jailed for security offences and 46 for illegally entering Israel, but said the move fell far short of their demands.
Most Palestinians regard jailed compatriots as heroes of their struggle for independence, and a broader prisoner release could strengthen Abbas's hand to rein in militants who reject a cease-fire, with some sworn to destroying Israel.
Many of those freed were nearing the end of their sentences and had been jailed for membership in militant groups. Few had taken part in armed attacks on Israelis.
"I respect the release of every prisoner, but we need a serious release process," Abbas told reporters in Ramallah.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie called for all "political prisoners" to be freed.
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