GAZA CITY: Hamas said Monday it had agreed to release those arrested in connection with protests over severe electricity shortages that prompted an outpouring of anger in the Gaza Strip in recent days. The interior ministry in Gaza, run by Islamist movement Hamas, said in a statement the decision was made after a meeting between security chiefs and political movements in the Palestinian enclave. It did not say how many people were being released, but rights activists said it involved dozens of people. A series of protests were held in the Gaza Strip in recent days, including one on Thursday when thousands in northern Gaza walked to the local headquarters of the electricity company.