Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday morning presided over a meeting to discuss a possible prisoners exchange deal with the Palestinians. Meeting participants said Israel has no intention of releasing 1,000 to 1,400 soldiers as reported in the Arab media.
According to Haaretz, the discussion also included statements that due to "inflated" demands by the Palestinians, no progress has been reached in negotiations to free captured soldier Gilad Shalit.
Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh on Sunday blamed Israel for noncompliance and foot-dragging in the negotiations. Haniyeh told the Ramatan news agency that Israel is "playing games" and is not interested in putting an end to the prisoners' suffering.
Senior Hamas officials on Sunday said a breakthrough has occurred in negotiations over the deal.
