Palestinians mark prisoners day in Gaza, West Bank

Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank marked Palestinian Prisoners Day on Tuesday with ceremonies symbolizing long-hoped-for freedom from Israeli jails. In Arraba village, south of Jenin, officials gathered to mark the day ahead of the expected release of local Khader Adnan, whose 66-day hunger strike ended with a deal to free him from administrative detention. In Gaza City, Hana Shalabi -- released after 43 days on hunger strike -- lit a torch of freedom and applauded popular support for detainees challenging their imprisonment. Shalabi was sent from her native West Bank to Gaza under the release deal. Another torch was lit in Arraba to honor Karim Younis, the longest-serving prisoner, and Lina Jarbouni, the longest-serving female prisoner, as well as Adnan, in the presence of prisoners' families. Officials unveiled a mural painted by four Palestinian artists at the entrance to the village. The "Will and Freedom" mural -- by Muhammad Shalabi from Jenin refugee camp, Areij Urouq from Jenin city, Anas Abiyya from Salfit and Tamir Kamal from Zababda -- shows Palestinian women suffering from imprisonment of Palestinians in Israel. Speaking at the event, Fatah leader Abbas Zaki said: "There will be no peace and no safety without releasing all prisoners from Israeli jails."