Israel sends back Gaza escapees

GAZA CITY (AFP) - Israel on Sunday began sending Fatah members who had fled deadly clashes in the Gaza Strip back to the territory, where they were immediately detained by Hamas-run security forces, officials said.

The return of around 180 Gazans who fled to Israel on Saturday was at the request of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, who heads the Fatah party, Israeli security officials said.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said Hamas had received “dozens” of returnees and had detained them for questioning.

“Those who are accused of breaking the law will be investigated and if found guilty, they will be brought to justice. Those who proved innocent will be released,” Abu Zuhri told AFP.

By Sunday afternoon, 32 people had been sent back, and the remainder of those who fled were expected to be returned later in the day, officials said.

More than 20 people who were evacuated from Gaza and hospitalised for wounds inflicted in the fighting will remain in Israel until they recover.