Egypt evacuates Rafah area, fearing IAF strike on Gaza

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.

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.