Terrified and exhausted, thousands flee feared imminent assault on Rafah

People displaced from elsewhere in Gaza during the war are on the move again but find their destination already packed

• Middle East crisis – live updates

By mid-morning, overloaded trucks, carts and donkeys were filling the streets of Rafah. Under dark skies and a cold, unseasonable rain, thousands were setting out on a halting journey through crowded, rubble-strewn streets and sprawling tented camps.

The roof of at least one car was piled high with mattresses. Another had a wheelchair stowed in the boot. Children walked through rain-filled potholes and craters or sat on belongings gathered on battered trolleys.