Saturday, July 8 2006 11:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jerusalem: In the first direct appeal for exchange of prisoners, Hamas has blamed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's administration of stalling the negotiations over its 'legitimate' demands.

"The only thing that is putting the soldier's life at risk is (Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert's degrading attitude," a statement released by the militant faction said.

"Olmert's government has refused to respond to Hamas' legitimate demand for the release of prisoners in exchange for Shalit's (abducted soldier) release," it said.

The statement directed at the Israeli public and the family of abducted Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier Gilad Shalit also calls upon the Israeli press to push for the deal.

Hamas also declared that Shalit is being held in humane conditions as commanded by the Muslim religion.

The release asks as to how it is possible that Israel agreed to the exchange of prisoners for captured Israeli citizens in the past, specifically in exchange for Elhanan Tannenbaum (captured by Hezbollah), but refuses to do so now.

"Was Tannenbaum's life more valuable than Gilad Shalit's," the statement said.

"We stress that negotiations are the only way out of this case and the sole way to preserve the life of the soldier and secure his safe return to his family", it asserted.

Hamas sources said that the group would agree to release the abducted soldier and stop firing Qassam rockets at Israel in exchange for the release of all female Palestinian prisoners and about 30 prisoners who have been in Israeli jails for more than 20 years.