Israel Releases Palestinian Women

Waving clenched fists and “V” for victory signs, 31 Palestinian women prisoners were freed from Israeli prisons Tuesday after the Supreme Court rejected a final petition to block their release.

Hundreds of friends and family members mobbed the women as they arrived early today in the autonomous West Bank town of Ramallah, where they were greeted by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

“I’m proud to be on free Palestinian land!” shouted Abir Wehaibi, 27, as she climbed off a bus.

Wehaibi was convicted of heading a militant group that attacked Israeli soldiers and settlers. She served 4-1/2 years of a life sentence.

The release of the women - several of whom were involved in deadly attacks on Israelis - brought Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu severe criticism from hardliners.

Several dozen protesters carrying signs reading “Freed to kill again” and “Kill Jews for peace” marched outside Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem during the day.