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 10, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT

Hamas says cease-fire talks are 'back to square one'

Hamas says negotiations with Israel for a permanent cease-fire have fallen through after Israel rejected its proposals, including demands for a permanent cease-fire, complete withdrawal of Israel's forces from Gaza, the return of displaced people and a prisoner exchange.

"Israel's rejection of the mediators' proposal, through the amendments it made to it, has brought things back to square one," Hamas said in a statement Friday.

Hamas said Israel bears "the full responsibility" for the failure to reach an agreement.

"The enemy's army's attack on Rafah and the direct occupation of the crossing immediately after Hamas announced its agreement to the mediators' proposal confirms that the occupation is evading reaching an agreement. Netanyahu and his extremist government are using negotiations as a cover for the attack on Rafah and the occupation of the crossing, and continuing the genocide against our people," Hamas said.

May 10, 2024, 12:30 PM EDT

UNGA passes resolution calling on Security Council to reconsider Palestinian membership

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the Security Council to reconsider Palestinian membership in the U.N.

The motion passed overwhelmingly with 143 countries in favor, nine against and 25 abstaining.

"Granting Palestinian membership requires a recommendation from the Security Council. At the same time, the Assembly determines that the State of Palestine is qualified for such status and recommends that the Security Council 'reconsider the matter favourably,'" the U.N. said in a statement.

Despite broad support, the U.S. voted "no."

"President Biden has been clear that sustainable peace in the region can be achieved only through a two-state solution, with Israel’s security guaranteed, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with equal measures of freedom and dignity. It remains the U.S. view that unilateral measures at the UN and on the ground will not advance this goal," Ambassador Robert Wood said in a statement Friday.

If approved, the new status would not take effect until the General Assembly opens in September.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

May 10, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT

110,000 estimated to have fled Rafah this week

As Israel's offensive on Rafah intensifies, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees estimates that around 110,000 people have now fled Rafah looking for safety.

"The only hope is an immediate Ceasefire," the UNRWA said in a statement Friday.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

May 10, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT

Cease-fire negotiations have stopped, Israeli source says

Cease-fire negotiations between Hamas and Israel are on pause, with no negotiations currently happening, according to an Israeli source familiar with the talks.

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

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