Release of Palestinian prisoner brings joy to Gaza family Israel freed 26 Palestinian prisoners on Wednesday, hours before the two sides were to hold new direct peace talks amid a growing row over settlements. A group of 15 crossed into the Gaza Strip at about 1:40 am (2240 GMT) and were mobbed by relatives as they got out of a bus next to the border. One Gaza family celebrated the return of a son and husband, Samir Mortagi, who was imprisoned for 20 years. Images and soundbites.