The forts also fired their cannons, and the firing continued from both sides. The ships' bombs reached the castles, forts, houses, and the outskirts of the city, taking various forms. The forts were heavily bombarded, and some castles were completely destroyed. When the firing intensified and the forts' cannons were about to become inoperable, the mob emerged from the alleys, spread to the outskirts, and mingled with the soldiers amidst clamor and shouting. They crowded around the castles and forts, intending to assist the soldiers. Whenever a soldier aimed his cannon at the English ships, they would cheer, shout, and call out, "O noble house of the Messenger of God! O our Sheikh! O Abasiri! O my master Yaqut al-Arshi!" and other such cries and shouts. A group of them marched, led by the standard-bearers with banners, drums, and cymbals, until they stood on the seashore near Al-Siyala, shouting at the top of their voices, "O Allah, the Most Kind! Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest!" They waved the banners and beat the drums and cymbals. One of the ships then fired a succession of small bombs at them, scattering and annihilating them all, except for those who were far away. The firing from the ships intensified, and a bomb's fire connected with the gunpowder store in the fort of Atta, igniting the gunpowder and causing a massive explosion that destroyed the fort, leveling it and killing all the soldiers, civilians, and officers within. Their flesh and remaining bones stuck to the fort's walls, creating a scene that would break hearts and tear livers with its horror. The firing continued from the ships and forts, while Ahmed Urabi remained in the fort of Al-Qada, unaware of what was happening in the other forts. It is said that his only concern at that time was moving his lips in reciting some litanies and moving his fingers on a talisman he had. Ragheb Pasha, the head of the Council of Ministers, and some ministers were at the Bab Rashid gate, watching people flee the city, bewildered by the intensity of the bomb firing and its effect on the forts, houses, and caravanserais. They fled through Bab Rashid like stray camels. When it was noon, the forts' cannons fell silent, and their sounds ceased. White flags appeared on the remaining forts, signaling a cessation of hostilities and a request for safety. The ships then ceased firing. At this point, Ahmed Urabi emerged from his hiding place and went to the Khedive's headquarters at Ras al-Tin Palace. The Khedive asked him what had happened at the forts and to the army. He replied, "Defeat, failure, and grave danger. There is no power or strength except in Allah. We are no longer able to resist. The best course of action is to surrender to all the demands of the commander of the ships." When the Khedive heard this, the matter became grave and immense to him. With him at the palace that day were Othman Pasha, Ismail Pasha, Al-Zubayr Pasha, General Aston Pasha, the Chief of Staff of the army during Ismail Pasha's reign, Frederick Bey, Tigran Bey, and others. He gathered them and immediately convened a council. They all expressed great concern about the matter and agreed to send Tolo Bey Ismat, one of the prominent figures, as a messenger to Seymour, the commander of the ships, to negotiate peace. Tolo went and returned an hour later, informing the Khedive that Seymour demanded that his troops occupy three of the largest forts in the city, or he would resume firing.