NABLUS, West Bank, November 22, SPA -- Palestinian President MahmoudAbbas says Israel will free hundreds of prisoners as agoodwill gesture before an upcoming Muslim holiday. Abbas said at a conference in the northern West Bank townof Nablus on Saturday that Israel will release 250prisoners before Eid al-Adha. The holiday is expected to take place on Dec. 8. Muslimsfollow a lunar calendar, and the expected date of religiousholidays can vary slightly. Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced last week he'drelease the prisoners. Associated Press quoted a spokeswoman for the Israeli Prime Minister as saying that Olmert is expected to set a release date after he meets with Abbasagain.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/609985