Israel has told mediators they will continue to engage in talks that could lead to a hostage release and a fighting pause in Gaza but have so far rejected a counterproposal made by Hamas that demanded a large release of Palestinian prisoners, a diplomat familiar with the discussions said.
Two displaced Palestinians told Reuters they are fleeing Rafah ahead of an anticipated Israeli ground offensive and heading to the cities of Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Al-Maghazi in the central strip.
The Israeli military is preparing for a ground offensive in Rafah, despite mounting international opposition to the plan and the impacts it would have on the civilian population. Follow for live updates.
At least eight people were wounded after a rocket attack on the northern Israeli city of Safed on Wednesday, the Ziv Medical Center said in a statement.