The US Federal Aviation Administration lifted its ban on flights in and out of Israel, which the agency had imposed out of concern for the risk of planes being hit by Hamas rockets.

John Kerry flew into Israel’s main airport today despite a US ban in a sign of his determination to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip – despite little evidence of progress in negotiations.

A Hamas rocket exploded near Israel’s main airport, prompting a ban on flights from the US and many from Europe and Canada.

SOME 200 pro-Palestinian activists have been barred from leaving foreign airports for Israel, where authorities are poised to deport others who manage to fly in, Israeli police said.