Abbas to Freed Terrorists: You’re Just the Beginning

Twenty six convicted Palestinian terrorists and murderers were freed by Israel last night and welcomed home to the West Bank and Gaza, as part of the US-brokered deal that enabled the resumption of peace talks.

The 11 West Bankers in the group were met at the Muqata, the seat of power of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, by a crowd of cheering, singing relatives and supporters. Their celebrations lasted until 3 a.m. En route, Palestinians hurled rocks at the IDF military vehicles escorting the bus convoy as it reached the crossing to the West Bank.

In Ramallah, the released prisoners laid a wreath at the grave of late Palestinian Authority president Yasser Arafat and were greeted by his successor Mahmoud Abbas at the presidential compound.

During his speech, Abbas didn’t mention peace talks with Israel. Rather, he focused on the prisoners and the Palestinians’ efforts to attain an independent state. Abbas told the 11 that they were “only the first” of the longtime convicts to be released, and that “others will follow.” When he raised the hands of a newly released prisoners, the onlookers erupted into cheers. “You’re just the beginning,” Abbas said, speaking alongside the prisoners. “Allah will return all [prisoners] to us soon. We say to the prisoners who are currently incarcerated: We will not rest until you are all with us.”

{Matzav.com Israel, with reporting by Times of Israel}