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By Nidal al-Mughrabi

RAFAH, Gaza Strip, Jan 2 (Reuters) - About 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims who had been stranded in Egypt en route from Mecca entered the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Wednesday in defiance of Israeli demands, witnesses said.

Some 2,200 Palestinians had been stuck in Egypt for about a week after returning from the Muslim haj pilgrimage because Israel insisted they return to Gaza through its own border crossings for fear some would smuggle arms or money for Hamas.

But on Wednesday hundreds poured through the Rafah border crossing, which is run by Egypt and Hamas. The Islamist group as well as Egyptian security and border sources said more than 1,000 had already crossed and the rest would do so shortly.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel said he was not aware of any agreement to allow the pilgrims back via Rafah and was checking the report.

Israel has no presence at Rafah, but a U.S.-brokered deal between Israel and the Palestinians says the crossing cannot be opened without Israel's consent.

The pilgrims had been stranded in Egypt for about a week while Cairo tried to negotiate an agreement on their return with Israel and the Palestinians. Some smashed furniture and windows during protests at a shelter there.

"Thank God we have carried out our religious duties and returned to Gaza," said pilgrim Abu Mohammad after entering the territory. Performing the haj is a religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically able to do so.

Hamas's leader in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, thanked Egypt and said Saudi Arabia had also helped ensure the pilgrims' return "in dignity". A Hamas television station hailed it as a "victory".

Israel pulled troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip in 2005 but effectively still controls its borders and has tightened its cordon around the territory since Hamas seized control in June.

Israel and the United States are pressing Egypt to do more to prevent the smuggling of arms and funds into Gaza. Egypt has rejected Israeli complaints about the smuggling, accusing Israel of trying to distract attention from Jewish settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. (Additional reporting by Rebecca Harrison; Writing by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Caroline Drees)

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