Israel-Gaza updates: 300,000 have fled Rafah, UN agency says

Israel called again on Saturday for civilians to leave parts of the city.

ByABC NEWS
Last Updated: May 12, 2024, 2:28 PM EDT

As the Israel-Hamas war crosses the seven-month mark, renewed negotiations are underway to secure the release of hostages taken by the terrorist organization, as Israeli forces continue to prepare for an apparent invasion of the southern Gazan town of Rafah.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
May 06, 2024, 4:31 PM EDT

Israeli Minister Gantz says current Hamas proposal has 'significant gaps'

Israeli Minister Benny Gantz said in a statement Monday the current proposal put forth by Hamas "has significant gaps.”

"Despite this, we continue to turn over every stone and a delegation will go to Cairo," he added.

Gantz said “every decision will be brought to the war cabinet,” which is made up of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and himself.

-ABC News' Dana Savir

May 06, 2024, 4:15 PM EDT

'We are at a critical stage right now' in negotiations, NSC spokesperson says

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the U.S. is reviewing the Hamas response to a cease-fire proposal.

White House national security communications adviser John Kirby speaks during a news conference at the White House on May 6, 2024, in Washington, D.C. During the briefing, Kirby spoke about ongoing Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Kirby did not reveal many specifics about where negotiations stand, but said they’ve reached a “critical stage.”

“I don't know that it gets any more sensitive than right now,” Kirby said. “And the worst thing that we can do start speculating about what's in it.”

-ABC News' Molly Nagle

May 06, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT

Israeli army continues attacks in Rafah even as delegation sent to negotiate cease-fire

With negotiations underway for a cease-fire agreement, Israel’s war cabinet said they would continue military operations in Rafah.

Smoke billows after Israeli bombardment in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 6, 2024.
AFP via Getty Images

Israel will also send a delegation of mediators to work on a possible deal.

There have been at least 50 IDF strikes Monday on Rafah, officials said.

May 06, 2024, 2:06 PM EDT

Israel has received response from Hamas on cease-fire proposal

A senior Israeli official with knowledge of negotiations said they have received a response from Hamas on a cease-fire proposal.

It is not the same proposal that had been under discussion, the official said, adding that it will now be studied.

It will take some time before Israel officially responds, the official added.

Israel’s war cabinet is now holding a discussion, according to an Israeli political source.

Israeli army tanks take position in southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip, May 6, 2024.
Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Israel will study every option to bring home hostages, including the latest response from Hamas, and said they would continue operations in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the Israeli Hostage Center urged the government to accept the deal.

"We welcome the announcement by Hamas to promote the ceasefire, which promotes the return of the 132 abductees who have been held captive by Hamas for 7 months," it said. "Now is the time for the Israeli government to prove in action its commitment to its citizens -- the cabinet must take the consent of Hamas and turn it into a deal for the return of all! The return of the kidnapped is the key to Israeli security!"

-ABC News' Jordana Miller and William Gretsky

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