Israel to free Palestinian prisoners

Israel said today that it is releasing 227 Palestinian prisoners in a gesture aimed at bolstering the moderate Palestinian government.

Israeli prison service spokesman Yaron Zamir said the release would take place at around midday.

An Israeli group unsuccessfully tried to block the release in Israel’s Supreme Court, saying that freeing prisoners would harm Israel’s security.

The release had already been delayed from its original date last week during the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.

Israel said Palestinian officials asked for a postponement because Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was in Mecca and wanted to personally greet the freed prisoners. The Palestinians denied making the request.

Israel is holding peace talks with Mr Abbas’s government. The prisoners are affiliated with his Fatah movement.