Israel frees 26 Palestinian prisoners

Israel released more than two dozen Palestinian prisoners convicted in deadly attacks against Israelis early on Tuesday as part of a US-brokered package to restart Mideast peace talks.

After departing on buses from Israeli jails overnight, the 26 prisoners received a hero's welcome upon their return to the West Bank and Gaza with officials and jubilant relatives lining up to greet them.

At his headquarters in Ramallah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas waited to meet the men in the middle of the night. Speaking before thousands, he pledged to continue pressing for the release of even long-serving and ill prisoners.