Israeli military suggests Gaza Palestinians fleeing strikes head to Egypt
The Israeli military has suggested that Palestinians fleeing its air attacks in the Gaza Strip head to Egypt, which also borders the blockaded enclave.
“I am aware that the Rafah crossing (on the Gaza-Egypt border) is still open,” Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hecht, chief military spokesperson to the foreign media, said in a briefing. “Anyone who can get out, I would advise them to get out.”
5:49 GMT. 4 minutes later at 5:53 GMT.
Gaza-Egypt border now closed: Army spokesperson
Amending earlier remarks, an Israeli military spokesperson now says the Gaza-Egypt border crossing is closed.
Following earlier remarks by Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hecht, his office issued a statement: “Clarification: The Rafah crossing was open yesterday, but now it is closed.”
On Monday evening, Egyptian security sources and a witness said operations at Rafah had been disrupted by what they described as a strike on the Gaza side.
Border was opened for 4 minutes.