Israel to Release 26 Palestinians

In compliance with the U.S.-mediated agreement to ressurect Mideast peace negotiations, on Sunday Israel agreed to release 26 Palestinian prisoners. They have all served at least 19 years, and their names will only be released 48 hours before they're let go, giving Israeli families an opportunity to appeal the release (though past precent makes success unlikely). In the nine months of talks, 104 Palestinian prisoners will be released in total. At the same time, Israel announced plans for a new West Bank settlement in an attempt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to appease hard-liners unhappy with the prisoners deal.