A Gaza-born Canadian citizen who has been held in an Israeli jail for nearly four years, has been released and is now in Jordan preparing for the flight home.

Jamal Akkal was locked up on claims he planned Hamas attacks against Jewish targets in North America -- allegations he has steadfastly denied.

Akkal left his Israeli prison on Wednesday and was taken to the border of Gaza. He was allowed to spend just 12 hours with his family in the Palestinian territory before being escorted by Canadian consular officials to the Jordanian border.

He is currently in Amman, waiting to fly back to Canada Thursday evening, said CTV's Janis Mackey Frayer.

Akkal denied on Wednesday that he was ever a Hamas operative.

"I'm innocent, I didn't do anything," he told CTV News in an exclusive interview.

Israeli intelligence officers arrested Akkal in November 2003 in Gaza, where he had travelled from his home in Windsor, Ont. to visit relatives and search for a bride.

Akkal said interrogators from Israel's Shin Bet security agency tortured him until he signed a confession, and that he couldn't understand the document because it was written in Hebrew.

Israel has denied any mistreatment.

To avoid a 21-year sentence in a military court, Akkal struck a deal with authorities and pleaded guilty to receiving paramilitary training and conspiracy to commit manslaughter.

The judge sentenced him to four years in prison and ordered him to pay a US$500 fine.

Akkal, who lived in Windsor since 1999, hoped the Canadian government would believe in his innocence and help free him. But it never happened.

"I spent four years in jail for nothing," he said.

On Wednesday, authorities transported Akkal to Israel's tightly controlled border with the Gaza Strip, long after Canadian consular officials had left -- although his family said the embassy is trying to secure his return to Canada.

He kissed the ground in prayer before running to meet his father, who thanked God for his son's return.

Akkal, who was released from custody with few possessions, said he was unsure what to do with his freedom.

"I just can't believe I'm out of prison," he said.

On Wednesday night he returned to Gaza's Nusseirat refugee camp, where hundreds of relatives and neighbours celebrated his release.

With a report from CTV Middle East Bureau Chief Janis Mackey Frayer in Gaza