Rioters throw stones
Rioters throw stonesIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Hundreds of Palestinian Authority Arabs threw rocks at Israeli soldiers as terrorists were freed at the Betunia checkpoint. The IDF fired stun grenades, tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse the rioters.

Most of the rioters carried Hamas and Islamic Jihad banners and arrived at the checkpoint to welcome approximately 100 terrorists and security prisoners who were among those being allowed to return to their homes in Judea and Samaria.

The IDF did not anticipate a riot, and soldiers fired a heavy barrage of riot-dispersing weapons. At least one person was wounded.

Israel pardoned and freed 477 terrorists and prisoners early Tuesday in the first phase of the deal in which a total of 1,027 will be released as Gilad Shalit returned home after more than five years in captivity.

Of the 477 terrorists released Tuesday, 132 are being allowed to return to Gaza, but one of them, Amna Muna, decided to remain in Egypt after her release rather than face likely revenge in Gaza for her brutal treatment of fellow inmates.

Forty terrorists will be deported outside of Israel.