Threat of attack from Israel; mass exodus in Rafah

TEL AVIV: Israel to destroy Rafah city in southern Gaza, dashing hopes of a ceasefire. With the evacuation of people in the eastern region of Rafah, the fear of a ground attack doubled. One lakh people will be evacuated from here.

After the warning, there were two air raids here. Rafah is home to 1.4 million people, including those fleeing attacks in northern Gaza. Israel was angered by Hamas rocket fire on the Kerem Shalom border between southern Gaza and Israel on Sunday. Four Israeli soldiers were killed and 11 wounded. Israel closed Kerem Shalom. 19 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, Hamas returned to Qatar on Sunday after ending two days of ceasefire talks in Cairo. The discussion was with the arbiter countries including Egypt, the US and Qatar. They said they will return to Cairo today after consultations. However, there are concerns that the talks may be abandoned in protest at Israel's moves. An emergency meeting was held yesterday in Doha under the leadership of CIA chief Bill Burns. Burns will meet with Netanyahu today.

People flocking to Khan Yunis

• The people of East Rafah have started fleeing to Khan Yunis and Al Muwasi areas.
• Israel has instructed people by phone and text to move to a safe zone.

Israel's are dangerous provocations. There will be consequences. Ceasefire talks will stop.

- Hamas