Israeli leaders repeat warning of grave consequences if rocket fire persists

Occupied Jerusalem: Israel's top leaders have repeated the government's warning of grave consequences if rocket fire from Gaza continues.

The warning followed Tuesday's meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Olmert's spokesman, Mark Regev, said "Hamas is playing with fire and they alone will be responsible for the destruction of the quiet."

He said the international community will understand that if there is a new escalation that will be the direct result of Hamas' "extremist, irresponsible and nihilistic behaviour."

Rafah residents said later that they received telephone messages from the Israeli military warning them to leave their homes ahead of an impending air strike.