31.   The first two days were the worst, said another of the freed prisoners, Azem Suma.

32.   The freed prisoners are all activists in the Islamic militant Hamas and Islamic Jihad organizations, said the Palestinian minister of construction, Azam Ahmad.

33.   The freed prisoners came to Pakistan, while the five hijackers disappeared in Afghanistan.

34.   The freed prisoners are all activists in the Islamic militant Hamas and Islamic Jihad organizations, said the Palestinian minister of public works, Azam Ahmad.

35.   The freed prisoners who spoke to reporters refused to give their names, saying they feared being arrested again.

36.   The raiders and freed prisoners were flown to Cuba.

37.   The official could not provide a total number of freed prisoners, or a breakdown of how many belonged to Islamic groups.

38.   The raiders and their freed prisoners also went to Cuba.

39.   The statement said the remaining hostages would be released when the captives and freed prisoners reached the jungle.

40.   The welcome was expected to grow into a massive party today with the planned arrival of another eight freed prisoners.