The Islamic Hamas movement on Friday said it had dealt positively with Israeli offers to exchange prisoners but the Jewish state obstructed the deal.

Though Israel did not respond optimistically to Hamas proposals, the Islamic movement "was very constructive regarding the Israeli suggestions," said Mahmoud Zahar, a Gaza-based member of Hamas politburo.

He declined to elaborate on the Israeli offers to secure the release of Gilad Shalit, a soldier Hamas has been holding since 2006, in exchange for a number of Palestinian and Arab prisoners.

Hamas demands Israel to release more than 1,000 prisoners and sent a list of 450 names, saying these names are not subject to negotiations. Israel has reservations on many of the names.

Zahar revealed that Israel has responded to Egyptian mediation and agreed to free 325 of those names. "Israel still refuses to release the 125 who are serving long detention sentences."

He added that Hamas will not drop any of those names. "The ball is now at Israel's court and those names are the core of the deal." 　

Source: Xinhua