Israel scraps Palestinian prisoner release

The move further threatens faltering peace talks mediated by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The prisoner release is reportedly being stalled over the Palestinian camp's refusal to agree to prolonged negotiations, which are set to expire this month. Israeli officials are now calling for the current rounds of talks be reviewed in order to ensure progress.

Background:

Israelis, Palestinians begin to assign blame [Washington Post]

Israel calls off prisoner release as Kerry seeks to keep talks alive [NYT]