TEL AVIV: Hamas released 34 hostages yesterday (26 Israelis, 7 Thais and 1 Russian) as the four-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza is about to end today. 17 people each were released yesterday morning and night. Israel also released a total of 78 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas had delayed the release of 17 hostages scheduled for Saturday night, the second day of the ceasefire, saying Israel was not complying with the terms of the agreement. However, after Qatar and Egypt intervened, they were released yesterday morning Indian time.

At the same time, Qatar and the US, which are mediating, expressed hope that the ceasefire could be extended. There are indications that Hamas is in favour of this. However, differences in the agreement with Israel could create a crisis. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Cross alleged that a farmer was shot dead by Israeli forces in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza. Israel has not responded to this yet.

Israel reiterated its warning that people should not return to northern Gaza. Distribution centres for fuel and food in Gaza are experiencing a huge rush of people. Israel has allowed to supply very limited quantities of diesel and cooking gas. As of yesterday evening, 61 trucks with 1,29,000 litres of fuel, food, water and medicine have reached Gaza.

Strong protest

Protests are intensifying in Israel demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protests are widespread in cities including Tel Aviv demanding the release of the 240 hostages. They allege that Netanyahu is not doing enough to release the hostages

Commanders killed

Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed that four high-ranking commanders, including Northern Brigade commander Ahmed al-Ghandour and the head of the rocket division, Ayman Siam, were killed. They did not explain when or how they were killed. The situation in the West Bank remains tense. 7 people were killed here during the Israeli raid on Saturday alone.