(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-06 21:14

JERUSALEM -- A senior Hamas official said on Sunday that if Israel rejects Hamas' demand over the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, the group will negotiate with Israel "over his bones," Israeli newspapers reported.

An Israeli woman walks past a poster of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in Tel Aviv in this 2007 file photo. A senior Hamas official said on Sunday that if Israel rejects Hamas' demand over Gilad Shalit, the group will negotiate with Israel "over his bones," Israeli newspapers reported. [Agencies]

Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy leader of Hamas' political bureau, issued the death threat in an interview with Kuwaiti newspaper Al- Qabas, according to Israeli daily Ha'aretz.

He said the group will free Shalit only if Israel frees 350 Palestinian prisoners as Hamas has demanded.

It is the first time that Hamas issued a clear threat to kill Shalit since he was captured in June 2006, according to another daily Jerusalem Post.

Meanwhile, Israeli Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai told Israel Radio that he would be willing to personally meet Hamas leaders to secure Shalit's release, as saving lives " overrides everything else."

Damascus-based Hamas political leader Khaled Mehsaal said last week that negotiations to free Shalit were at a standstill due to Israel's refusal to release Palestinian prisoners, adding that the captive was alive and kindly treated.