Israel-Gaza updates: 300,000 have fled Rafah, UN agency says
Israel called again on Saturday for civilians to leave parts of the city.
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:
- White House National Security Advisor speaks to Israeli counterpart, expresses concern over pending Rafah invasion
- 300,000 have fled Rafah, UN agency says
- Biden admin says it's 'reasonable to assess' Israel violated International law with US arms
- Hamas says cease-fire talks are 'back to square one'
- UNGA passes resolution calling on Security Council to reconsider Palestinian membership
Israeli troops enter Rafah in 'precise' operation, taking control of border crossing
The Israeli military moved into eastern Rafah late Monday to begin a "precise counterterrorism operation" targeting Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday.
IDF troops also took "operational control" of the Gazan side of the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, officials said in a statement.
The operation in Rafah overnight included air strikes and on-the-ground troops, the military said. About 20 "terrorists" were killed and three tunnels were located, IDF officials said.
"IDF ground troops are continuing to operate against Hamas terrorist operatives and infrastructure in the area of the Rafah Crossing in eastern Rafah," the statement said.
-ABC News' Jordana Miller, Jessica Gorman and Kevin Shalvey
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."
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.
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
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.