(Adds Israeli minister)

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

RAFAH, Gaza Strip, Jan 2 (Reuters) - About 2,200 Palestinian pilgrims who had been stranded in Egypt en route from Mecca returned to the Gaza Strip on Wednesday in defiance of Israel's demand to screen them for smuggled cash or weapons.

The pilgrims had been stuck in Egypt for about a week after completing the Muslim haj ritual in Saudi Arabia because Israel insisted they return to Hamas-run Gaza through its territory.

Cairo's decision to let them back through Rafah terminal on the border between Egypt and Gaza drew a rebuke from Israel, which has been trying to choke off Hamas while reviving peace talks with the Islamist group's rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

An aide to Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak, who met Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak last week, said the sides had agreed the pilgrims would enter Gaza through Israel's Kerem Shalom terminal and be vetted by security agents.

"I think that on this matter it is very important for Israel to insist -- and stand firm on its right to do so -- that the border between Egypt-Sinai and the Strip be closed and that neither terrorists nor weapons get through," Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter told Israel's Channel Ten television.

"To me this looks like a trivial matter (to achieve). Regrettably, it's not trivial from the Egyptians' viewpoint."

Israel has no presence at Rafah although a U.S.-brokered deal between it and the Palestinians says the crossing cannot be opened without Israeli consent.

Egypt has mostly kept Rafah closed since Hamas routed Abbas's Fatah faction in Gaza in June. Opening the crossing may bolster Hamas at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Abbas are pursuing peace talks and trying to cement ties ahead of a visit by U.S. President George W. Bush next week.

Hamas opposes coexistence with the Jewish state.

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

"There was a tough humanitarian situation that we were facing here and that no one really wanted to see exacerbated. It's good at the end that they were able to get back to their homes," an Egyptian foreign ministry official said.

Asked whether there was a deal with Israel for the pilgrims to return, he said: "I am not aware of all the details."

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

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

Among those coming through Rafah on Wednesday were former Fatah-linked security officers who fled Gaza during Hamas's takeover. Fatah sources and witnesses said Hamas detained at least 15 of the Fatah men. Hamas sources put the number at nine.

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 June. (Additional reporting by Rebecca Harrison and Brenda Gazzar in Jerusalem and Cynthia Johnston in Cairo; Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Caroline Drees)

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