Israel cancels Palestinian prisoner release

JERUSALEM , April 3 (UPI) -- Israel cancelled the fourth round of its release of Palestinian prisoners, saying the cancellation was motivated by Palestine’s attempts at United Nations support and recognition.

The previous three prisoner releases, which included inmates convicted of killing Israelis, were deeply unpopular with the Israeli public. Palestinians, however, regard them as heroes and have celebrated their release.

Palestinian actions violated the terms of the release, Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said. The prisoner release is a part of the peace process backed by the United States, and the deadlock is indicative of doubt over U.S Secretary of State John Kerry’s efforts for peace.

The decision for cancellation was communicated to Palestine during a meeting Thursday.

Israel now wants the entire process reviewed, a spokeswoman for Livni said, adding that Livni urged the Palestinian leadership to avoid unilateral actions and return to the negotiations.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas had applied to 15 UN conventions, accusing Israel of breaking various promises.

[BBC]