Hamas leader Mashaal speaks in Iran

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal says that Israeli stubborness is the cause of a breakdown in negotiations to release a captive soldier.

Mashaal is wrapping up a three day trip to Iran. The Hamas leader spoke after meetings with Iranian leaders on Tuesday.

He said the Israelis have no choice but to free the Palestinian prisoners requested by Hamas if the country ever wants to see Sergeant Gilad Schalit again.

The two sides have been negotiating through German and Egyptian mediators to exchange hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for Schalit, who was abducted in 2006.

Mashaal, added that resistance is the only way to deal with Israel, which he says is not serious about peace negotiations. The Hamas leader also thanked Iran for backing the Palestinian cause.

Leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Khaled Mashaal, clenches his fist, as he speaks to the media during a press conference, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.(AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)