Rafah terminal storm
At least 20 people were wounded in clashes at the border between gunmen from Hamas and the rival Fatah faction of Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president.
Hamas fighters, angry that Israel was preventing Haniya from returning, stormed the Rafah terminal.
The pro-Fatah presidential guard, responsible for securing the area, opened fire.
The European monitors who police the crossing fled.
'Let's liberate this place'
Hamas security officials chanted "God is Great, let's liberate this place" as they took over the arrival hall, and border guards escorted the European monitors to safety.
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Over 50 men greeted Haniya upon his return |
Two loud explosions rocked the area, and security officials said Hamas officials blew a hole in the border fence about half a mile from the terminal.
Thursday's unrest is likely to strain the US-brokered deal that turned over control of the crossing to the Palestinians last year after four decades of Israeli control. The border can only operate in the presence of European monitors.
A senior Israeli security official said Amir Peretz, the Israeli defence minister, had ordered the border to be closed not to block Haniya's entry but to keep the money out.
The official said Israel had information the money would be used to strengthen Hamas or fund terror attacks, but he declined to provide further details.
Haniya left Gaza on November 28 for what was supposed to be a month-long trip around the region, with the goal of raising money for his government.