More hostages set to be released after row over aid trucks

MORE than a dozen hostages held by Hamas were due to be freed last night after the militant group delayed their release.

- SIMON MURPHY

As the ceasefire with Israel entered a second day yesterday, hopes of freedom for those set for release in the second round of swaps were dealt a blow because of a row over aid trucks.

Hamas claimed Israel was not fulfilling its part of the deal, saying of the 340 aid trucks that had arrived in Gaza since Friday, only 65 were reported to have reached northern Gaza - fewer than half of what Hamas had expected.

But amid fastmoving events, Qatari and Egyptian mediators later said Hamas had agreed to release 13 Israelis and seven foreigners in exchange for 39 Palestinians held by Israel. Qatar's Foreign Ministry confirmed eight children and five women made up the Israeli hostages to be freed last night.