Palestinian Hamas policemen stand guard at the Rafah border crossing in the southern Gaza Strip October 17, 2011, during preparations for the release of prisoners in a swap that is expected to take place on Tuesday. Hamas prepared a heroes' welcome in Gaza for 295 of the prisoners due to be sent to the Israeli-blockaded territory. Palestinians regard brethren jailed by Israel as prisoners of war in a struggle for statehood. Israel holds some 6,000 Palestinian prisoners. Photo by Ashraf Amra