Hamas-Israel controversial prisoner swap "completed successfully"

The relatives of Palestinian prisoners set to be released in a prisoner swap with Israel were on Sunday eagerly anticipating the arrival of their loved ones. Umm Ahmad Harez is the wife of Nafez Harez, a prisoner held since 1986 on charges of manslaughter with intent to kill and attempted murder among others.
"We are happy because we put all our hopes in this deal since we felt very frustrated for so long. We did not expect this deal to happen so quickly. We've waited 26 years to hear this news," she said.
Umm Ahmad was pregnant with one of the couple's daughters when Harez was detained and he has never met him nor the gaggle of 25 grandchildren he now has. Graffiti welcoming Harez has been painted on walls outside the family home in Gaza City.
Meanwhile, workers prepared a large square in Gaza City for what's expected to be a massive rally to welcome the released prisoners. The list of prisoners Israel plans to swap in exchange for Sergeant Gilad Schalit who has been held by Hamas-affiliated factions for five years, was officially released publicly early on Sunday morning. A total of 1,027 prisoners are set to be released in two stages, some returning to Gaza, others to their homes in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Still others will be deported to unknown countries. On Sunday Israel began moving prisoners between jails, ahead of the expected release on Tuesday. The Barghouti family, from the West Bank, would see two of their relatives released, Fakri and Nael. Fakri is the longest serving Palestinian prisoner in an Israeli jail, having been arrested in 1978. His cousin Nael was arrested six months later.
Both Fakri and Nael are being held on charges of manslaughter with intent to kill, among others.
Their families spoke of their joy of the prospect of finally being reunited.
"We have a date for a major national celebration, " Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said, but added that work to secure the release of more prisoners would continue.
Palestinians view the case of their prisoners in Israeli jails with deep sensitivity. Most have relatives who have served time, with convictions ranging from masterminding militant attacks to throwing rocks. Palestinians see them as political prisoners and demand their freedom.
Several Israeli families whose relatives were killed in Palestinian attacks have filed a court appeal against the deal to free Shalit, though it is not expected to halt the prisoner swap.