Hamas has ordered Gazans to shut down the network of tunnels used for smuggling along the border with Egypt, in an unprecedented move.

Gazans told Israeli media that they believed the closure of the tunnels was in response to security requests from Egypt. The move comes shortly after Israelis were advised to leave the Sinai peninsula after an urgent warning of an imminent kidnap attempt by Hamas.

Hamas may carry out death sentences for men convicted of “collaboration with Israel” within days.

Amnesty International reports that Hamas officials have indicated the sentences may be carried out in the next few days.

Fourteen people are known to have been sentenced to death in Hamas’ military courts, which do not meet international standards for fair trials.

However, more could be facing execution for charges of collaboration, treason and murder.

Israel's embassy in London is poised to hear whether one of its senior diplomats is to be expelled by Britain, as punishment for Israel's alleged involvement in the Dubai assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud Mabhouh in January.

Reports in today's Daily Telegraph say that Ambassador Ron Prosor was summoned to the Foreign Office yesterday and told that Britain formally blames Israel for the cloning of up to 15 British passports during the Dubai operation.

A ministerial statement is due in the House of Commons later today.

The European Parliament have passed a motion calling for the immediate release of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

MEPs from across the political spectrum signed a letter to EU Foreign Policy chief Lady Catherine Ashton, who will visit Israel and Palestinian areas next week. Israel will open the Erez crossing into Gaza for Lady Ashton’s visit.

Gilad Shalit, 23, was abducted almost four years ago by Hamas terrorists. No Red Cross members or negotiators have seen him, but videos and photographs have been released.

Hamas will ban male hairdressers from working in women’s hair salons in the latest bid to impose stricter Islamic law in the Gaza strip.

The Interior Ministry, which announced the new law, has warned of stern consequences for anyone found disobeying.

Islamic women are traditionally not allowed to show their hair to men who are not members of their family.

One of the Labour Party's key intellectuals has warned the Left not to make the mistake of considering Hamas a traditional resistance movement.

Writing in a series of essays, Handling Hamas, published by Labour Friends of Israel, Professor Brian Brivati of Kingston University says: "All too often Hamas is compared, by elements of the British Left in particular, to the IRA, the South African ANC or even the Palestinian Fatah movement and, inevitably, from these comparisons comes a call for diplomatic engagement."