Israel releases 26 Palestinian prisoners

JERUSALEM (AP) — A spokeswoman for Israel's prison service says Israel has freed 26 Palestinian prisoners.

The prisoner release is the second of four rounds, part of a deal that set in motion the current Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Spokeswoman Sivan Weizman said 21 prisoners were released to the West Bank and five to Gaza early Wednesday.

Boisterous celebrations kicked off in the Palestinian territories as the prisoners were released. Many in Israel oppose the move and view the men as terrorists who have committed grisly crimes against Israelis.

A total of 104 convicts are expected to be released over the coming months as part of the U.S.-brokered deal.