Israel SC refuses to stay release of Palestinians

Jerusalem (PTI): Israel's Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition opposing the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners, clearing the final hurdle for the goodwill gesture on the eve of second round of US-brokered fragile peace talks between the Jewish nation and Palestinian Authority.

The court's approval, following a heated but affirmative vote by the government last week, sets the stage for pardoning the long-term prisoners and releasing them tonight, Israel Prisons Services officials said. In an official statement on Tuesday, Supreme Court President Asher Grunis wrote, "There is no dispute that the issue at hand is difficult and sensitive. Our hearts go out to the families of the terror victims."