Israel still has several reservations regarding the proposed prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, and the release of captive soldier Gilad Schalit may still be some way away, Hamas spokesman Osama Abu Khaled has reportedly said.

According to Israel Radio, Abu Khaled, speaking in Damascus, said that two unresolved issues at the heart of the negotiations were Hamas's demand for the release of 125 long-term prisoners and the question of deportation or relocation of certain prisoners upon their release.

According to Israel Radio, Abu Khaled said it was not at all clear that a deal was close at hand. "These leaks are coming from Israel," he said.