John Kerry has made a surprise return to Israel in an apparently desperate attempt to save the floundering Middle East peace process.

The US Secretary of State is expected to meet Israeli and Palestinian negotiators on Monday for a new round of talks.

The State Department confirmed he was returning to the region after meeting the Russian foreign minister in Paris to discuss the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

There is widespread concern that Mr Kerry's peace initiative is on the verge of collapse.

The two sides are unable to agree on further Palestinian prisoner releases and an extension for the talks to continue in the weeks to come.

"After consulting with his team, Secretary Kerry decided it would be productive to return to the region," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.