Freed Palestinians gather for wedding

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Ayman Abu Khalil (L) is one of 11 Hamas members sent to Turkey after Israel released them from jail as part of an exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. AA photo

Palestinian inmates freed in a prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel gathered for the wedding ceremony of ex-inmate Ayman Abu Khalil in Ankara Dec. 29.

Khalil, 39, one of 11 Hamas members sent to Turkey after Israel released them from jail as part of an exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, married his relative Ayat Zeyadah, 30, at Büyükhanlı Park Hotel, the Turkish daily Vatan reported.

“I am away from Palestine and that makes me feel sad, but I am happy to get married. Erdoğan’s advice about having three kids is an order for me,” Khalil said. He had been imprisoned for 18 years by Israel, alleged to have kidnapped and killed three Israeli soldiers.

The 11 Palestinians were being kept from the public eye and living under high-end security since their arrival in Ankara in October. The ceremony’s security was provided by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and numerous policemen, considering the importance of the guests, the report said.
Nearly 200 guests attended the wedding, including 10 ex-inmates and Amina Muna, who is known as the “Internet assassin” for murdering a 16-year-old Israeli.

Palestine’s Ambassador to Ankara Nabil Maruf was also among the guests to attend the ceremony.