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Last update - 04:45 26/01/2009
Egypt evacuates Rafah area, fearing IAF strike on Gaza
By Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondent and Reuters

Egyptian authorities have evacuated the Rafah border crossing into the
Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, acting on reports of a possible Israeli air strike on the Palestinian side of the crossing, Egyptian security sources said on Sunday.

Security sources and witnesses speaking on condition of anonymity said authorities had carried out a sudden and rapid evacuation of the crossing area, removing staff and ambulances from the vicinity of the gates that control access to the crossing.
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But an Israeli military spokesman said there was no military activity in the area, and the border appeared quiet several hours after the evacuation.

Flights by Israel Air Force F-16s over Gaza earlier Sunday sparked fears in the coastal territory that a new Israeli military offensive was underway.

A number of banks, government offices and schools in Gaza were closed as the warplanes flew through the Hamas-ruled Strip's skies. Shops were also closed in the center of Gaza City, and Gaza residents left the streets for the safety of their homes.

Israel launched its 3-week offensive in Gaza last month with a devastating air raid on Hamas targets throughout the Strip.


More than 1,250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed during the offensive. Approximately 500 Hamas militants and hundreds of gunmen belonging to other militias were killed in the operation, Israeli estimates state, and hundreds more were wounded.

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      1.   Here we go again! 17:25  |  Jack 25/01/09
      2.   If Hamas `won` the War against Israel why are they so nervous 18:07  |  Charles 25/01/09
      3.   Only possible response to ceasefire violations by Hamas 19:48  |  Realist 25/01/09
      4.   The safety of their homes 20:38  |  sh 25/01/09
      5.   #2 get the facts straight 20:47  |  just observing 25/01/09
      6.   Get Used To It Jack 21:26  |  Roberto 25/01/09
      7.   About safety and victories 23:00  |  Tali 25/01/09
      8.   Possible reports from whom?????????? 23:59  |  Jo 25/01/09
      9.   Not a Violation Jack 02:09  |  Mark of Lewiston 26/01/09
      10.   I agree Mr Off... 02:14  |  CraigW 26/01/09
      11.   Hey Jack! Can we please get... 02:20  |  CW 26/01/09
      12.   This is ugly intimidation by the IAF and it must stop.... 05:02  |  Dutch 26/01/09
      13.   just observing - Facts? You are lying.... Israel is 10:03  |  Ben 26/01/09
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