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.

May 06, 2024, 6:36 PM EDT

Qatar to send mediators to Cairo

Qatar will send a delegation of mediators to Cairo on Tuesday to work on negotiations for a cease-fire deal, according to a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said they hope "talks will culminate in reaching an agreement for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the sustainable flow of humanitarian aid into all areas of the Strip."

May 06, 2024, 5:47 PM EDT

IDF spokesperson warns people in eastern Rafah to evacuate

As cease-fire talks continue, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari again warned Palestinians in the eastern part of the city to evacuate.

"Tonight, we also call upon those staying in specific areas which we have communicated and defined through every means -- radio, media, internet, and flyers -- in eastern Rafah, to move towards the expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi and Khan Yunis, where they will receive full humanitarian aid and where water, food, medical equipment, and shelter will be provided,” Hagari said.

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

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