Istanbul (ANTARA News) - Some of the Palestinian prisoners released as part of a deal to hand over captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit will be taken in by Turkey, the state-run Anatolia news agency reported Monday.

The agency quoted diplomatic sources as saying that Turkey would host some of the released prisoners along with Qatar and Egypt.

Turkey considers the deal between Israel and Hamas as a contribution to peace in the region and will play its part by taking in released Palestinian prisoners, Anatolia said.

Turkish news channel NTV said 10 of the prisoners will arrive in Istanbul by plane from Egypt, but gave no further details.

A group of 40 Palestinian detainees will be sent to Turkey, Syria and Qatar, Hamas said on Monday.

Israel began releasing 1,027 prisoners in two stages Tuesday in exchange for the handover of solider Gilad Shalit, who was snatched by Gaza militants in June 2006.

AFP

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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