Comes as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry tries to rally support for Syrian intervention.
Among Palestinians there is widespread pessimism over Abbas' chances.
Both sides have low expectations as they head into the U.S.-sponsored negotiations in Jerusalem.
Rami Hamdallah has accepted Abbas request, despite recent resignation.
In all, 104 prisoners are slated for release over a period of nine months.
White House strategy remained for president to take hands-off approach.
New round of talks follows six months of diplomacy to restart negotiations that broke down in 2008.
President lays out his vision for final status of relations with Israel ahead of first peace talks in years.
Disagreement still exists on terms for direct diplomacy, stalled almost three years ago.
Comments may be attempt to exert pressure on U.S., Israel to meet Palestinian demands.
