Israel to free Palestinians in Hezbollah deal

Occupied Jerusalem: Five Palestinian prisoners are due to be released by Israel in the final step in a UN-meditated prisoner exchange deal with Hezbollah, a government official said on Sunday.

Israel's cabinet on Sunday approved the early release of the five prisoners, who were held on minor charges such as stone-throwing.

Israeli officials said the prisoners will be released in the coming weeks after a review period.

Under the high-profile prisoner exchange last month, Lebanon's Hezbollah returned the remains of two Israeli soldiers in return for five Lebanese prisoners, including Samir Kantar, and the remains of about 200 Lebanese and Palestinian fighters.

An unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners were also to be released under the deal.