Palestinians: US seeks delay in prisoner release

Palestinian officials say US Secretary of State John Kerry wants to link an upcoming release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel to a framework agreement he hopes to reach in peace talks between the two sides.

Yasser Abed Rabbo, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, alleged Monday that the US is using the prisoners to "blackmail" the Palestinians to accept a vague framework deal that fails to meet Palestinian demands. (AP)