In pictures: Israeli amnesty

1 of 9 On Wednesday, some 340 Palestinian detainees savoured the taste of freedom as Israel released them in a "goodwill gesture".

2 of 9 There were emotional goodbyes at Ketziot Prison in southern Israel.

3 of 9 Some prisoners appeared defiant...

4 of 9 ...while others looked more apprehensive about the future.

5 of 9 The prisoners were deposited at various checkpoints in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where hundreds of hopeful families waited.

6 of 9 The excitement mounted as the buses approached...

7 of 9 ...and ecstatic reunions ensued.

8 of 9 Despite joyful reunions, many Palestinians say the amnesty is too little, and many of those released had only days or weeks of their sentences remaining.

9 of 9 Meanwhile, some Israelis condemned the amnesty. This placard reads "Lord save us from the crime of releasing these murderers".