Hamas: Israel wants prisoner exchange deal before elections
Sources in Hamas claimed Saturday that they have recently begun indirect talks with Israel in order to advance a prisoner exchange deal before Israel's elections.
"This time there seems to be a strong motivation to make a deal before the elections, in light of declining support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," sources in Hamas said in an interview with Arab media.
The sources added they had been approached by parties in Europe and Egypt regarding the start of negotiations.
"Hamas military wing will not provide any information about the prisoners without quid pro quo. No negotiations will be held before Israel releases the prisoners released in the Shalit deal," they said.
