COUNTDOWN TO CARNAGE

Israeli troops mass on border as Rafah offensive looms despite plea from UN

- CHRIS HUGHES

HEAVY Israeli reinforcements are massing on Gaza's southern border ahead of a ground attack on Rafah that could be hours away.

Merkava tanks, caged bulldozers and other armoured vehicles are pouring towards Israel's proposed entry point into southern Gaza.

Two battalions of elite Israeli paratroopers are believed to be preparing for the invasion, followed by a large number of regular forces.

The huge troop build-up came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack will go ahead despite warnings it could lead to a civilian bloodbath from the UK, US, UN and Middle Eastern nations.