Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Israel to Release Some Palestinian Prisoners in Exchange for Talks He praised both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas for making some difficult choices. This is the sixth trip Kerry has made to the Middle East since becoming secretary of state earlier this year. He was originally scheduled to have flown back to the U.S. earlier Friday. He extended his stay after sensing an agreement to restart talks was within reach. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed in 2010. White House officials said President Barack Obama called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to ask him to work with Kerry to "resume negotiations with the Palestinians as soon as possible." Earlier this week, in Jordan, Kerry met with representatives of Arab states that support a comprehensive peace plan. He said many of the Arab League ministers told him "the core issue of instability in this region and in many other parts of the world is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict." Kerry has been urging both Israel and the Palestinians to be cautious and to avoid any actions or statements that might undermine their progress. Kerry has said the proposed plan aims to show both sides the benefits of peace, and, in particular, the impact some proposals could have on the Palestinian economy. He said programs being considered as part of the plan could reduce unemployment in the Palestinian territory from 21 percent to 8 percent over the next three years while also doubling the Gross Domestic Product. __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/israel-to-release-some-palestinian-pr isoners-in-exchange-for-talks/1705721.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/israel-to-release-some-palestinian-prisoners-in-exchange-for-talks/1705721.html