Palestinian - Israeli talks hampered by the problem of prisoners

Faris Qadoura, the head of the prisoners committee in the Palestinian Legislative Council said that the work of the Palestinian - Israeli committee concerning this question is currently facing a crisis because of the continuing Israeli obstinacy by not releasing the political detainees and prisoners.

In his statement today, Qadoura said the committee's meeting this morning didn't achieve any progress, adding that the Israeli side said they would release two groups of Palestinian prisoners and detainees on September 1 and October 8, but he didn't mention the number to be released.

He added that the Israeli side is still drafting criteria concerning who will be released, and it is refusing to release prisoners with blood on their hands.