U.S. President Barack Obama has welcomed Middle East peace talks due to begin in Washington later, but cautioned that "hard choices" lie ahead, according to BBC News.

He spoke after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry named a former U.S. ambassador to Israel as the lead negotiator.

The talks, stalled since 2010, follow six visits to the Middle East in the last five months by Kerry. The talks were confirmed hours after Israel approved the release of more than 100 Palestinian prisoners.

The move, which split the Israeli cabinet, is to take place in stages over several months.

The initial talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives are scheduled begin on Monday, July 29 evening and continue on Tuesday, said the state department.

At a press conference in Washington DC on Monday, Kerry said: "I know the negotiations are going to be tough, but I also know the consequences of not trying will be worse."

He was joined by Martin Indyk, whom he appointed as U.S. special envoy to the talks.

He told reporters: "It is a daunting and humbling challenge, but one that I cannot desist from."

Indyk, 62, said he looked forward to working with both sides to "do our best to achieve President Obama's vision of two states, living side by side in peace and security".