Palestinian Security Service (PSS) has released 18 member of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) who were in custody.

The move came under instructions from Palestinian National Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat before the Muslim Greater Bairam that falls on Thursday, said Palestinian security sources on Sunday, pointing out that no charges were levelled at the released persons.

The PSS held more than 100 persons suspected of belonging to Hamas and its military wing Ezzeddin el-Kassam last year to show commitment to curb military attacks against Israeli targets. Last week the Palestinian police rounded up a number of Hamas activists allegely belonging to a Hamas cell that was reportedly planning for bomb attacks inside Israel. Four Hamas extremists from the cell were killed in a shoot-out with Israeli forces in the Israeli town of Teiba.

Earlier, the Palestinian police said one of the suspects in custody was a bodyguard of the Hamas leader and founder, Ahmed Yassin.

However, Yassin denied any relations between the cell and Ezzeddin el-Kassam.

Hamas will go on the path of struggle against the Israeli occupation and settlement activities while refraining from any attacks against Israeli civilians who do not attack Palestinians, Yassin vowed.