PARIS – The exiled leader of Hamas says talks with Israel over the possible release of an Israeli sergeant are “at a standstill.”

Khaled Mashaal blames “a lack of reliability of Israeli negotiators” in the discussions toward the possible release of Israeli Sgt. Gilad Schalit.

Le Figaro newspaper quoted Mashaal on Monday as saying that Israeli negotiators continue to rehash issues already agreed. The daily said he gave the interview from a residence in Damascus, Syria.

Schalit was captured by Gaza militants two years ago. Hamas wants Israel to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Schalit.