The Zionist chief negotiator with the Palestinians has told them that a planned release of 26 prisoners cannot proceed, a source close to the embattled peace talks told AFP Thursday.

The Zionist chief negotiator with the Palestinians has told them that a planned release of 26 prisoners cannot proceed, a source close to the embattled peace talks told AFP Thursday.

A frustrated US Secretary of State John Kerry earlier demanded that recalcitrant Israeli and Palestinian leaders demonstrate leadership in the crisis-hit talks.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said Justice Minister Tzipi Livni told a meeting with her counterparts on Wednesday that the prisoner release could not take place, as the Palestinians had unilaterally resumed moves to seek international recognition for their promised state.