Israel set to release 199 Palestinians as gesture to Abbas

Israel was making preparations on Sunday to free 199 Palestinian prisoners as a goodwill gesture to president Mahmud Abbas ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, prison authorities said.  “In accordance with the government decision, the prisoner release will be carried out tomorrow (Monday) at 9:30 am (0630 GMT),” the Israeli Prison Service said in a statement.  >>>>>