Israeli and Palestinian officials say most of the 180 Fatah supporters who fled into Israel from a deadly Hamas crackdown over the weekend are being sent back into the Gaza Strip. Hamas forces launched a raid on a crowded Gaza City neighbourhood dominated by the Hilles clan on Saturday, which left nine dead and nearly 90 wounded.

Blindfolded and handcuffed Fatah members allowed into Israel  from the Gaza Strip are guarded by an Israeli soldier on  August 2.(AFP/David Buimovitch)

Israeli defense officials say about 30 members of the Hilles clan, all Fatah supporters, were sent back to Gaza on Sunday morning, and the rest are to follow.

The wounded will be allowed to remain in Israeli hospitals.

A Hamas spokesman says Hamas has arrested the men who were sent back and will question them. He promised fair treatment.

Sami Ami Abu Zuhri, Hamas spokesman said, "We call on everyone who has run away from Gaza, to come back. It's their home town, and it's better than running to the occupation. The Palestinian police will arrest those who return to Gaza, they are treated well, and soon they will release all of the people who didn't have any connection with activities which are against the security and the law. "

A Palestinian official has called on President Mahmoud Abbas to stand up to Hamas.