Israel-Gaza updates: Israeli forces preparing for 'wide range of offensive plans'

Fighting is ongoing after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

ByABC NEWS
Last Updated: October 17, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT

At least 1,400 people have died and 3,400 others have been injured in Israel after the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented incursion from air, land and sea on Oct. 7, Israeli authorities said.

In Gaza, 3,000 people have been killed and another 12,500 were injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Tensions are high with the prospect of ground war and evacuation orders for Gaza after the Israel Defense Forces called for "all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes" and "move south for their protection" early Friday, saying residents should move "and settle in the area south of the Gaza River." The announcement was made, according to the IDF, because it plans to "operate significantly in Gaza City in the coming days" and wanted "to avoid harming civilians."

Click here for the latest updates.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Oct 16, 2023, 2:47 pm

Timeline: The Hamas attack and response

On the morning of Oct. 7, sirens echoed across Israel as Hamas terrorists began a full-fledged surprise attack from the air, sea and ground. Hundreds of armed Hamas fighters stormed into Israel from Gaza, charging into cities and gunning down citizens.

Friends and family mourn Dor Reder, who was killed following a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, at his funeral in Beit Kama, southern Israel, Oct. 16, 2023.
Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters

Israeli forces responded by sending wave after wave of bombs into Gaza, killing thousands, trapping civilians and raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Click here for the full timeline

Oct 12, 2023, 4:20 PM EDT

How night of dancing turned into worst civilian massacre in Israel history

As Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend, pillaging, kidnapping and killing civilians across several towns, one of the first targets was the Supernova music festival, held in the Negev desert in southern Israel.

At least 260 people were killed, making it one of the worst civilian casualty incidents in Israel's history.

ABC News talked to survivors and families of the missing, and analyzed and verified witness video and security footage to piece together how the brutal killings unfolded.

ABC News talked with survivors and families of the missing in addition to analyzing and verifying witness video and security footage to piece together how the brutal killings at the Supernova Music Festival unfolded.
6:12
Israel music festival massacre timeline: How night of dancing ended in tragedyABC News talked with survivors and families of the missing in addition to analyzing and verifying witness video and security footage to piece together how the brutal killings at the Supernova Music Festival unfolded.
ABCNews.com

Oct 12, 2023, 3:45 PM EDT

Israel says no electricity will be turned on in Gaza until hostages are returned

As the humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza, Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said no electrical switch will be turned on, no water tap will be opened and no fuel truck will enter Gaza until the Israeli hostages are returned home.

At least 330,000 people in Gaza have been displaced from their homes since Israel unleashed retaliatory air strikes, the United Nations said.
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‘Devastating’ humanitarian crisis unfolding in GazaAt least 330,000 people in Gaza have been displaced from their homes since Israel unleashed retaliatory air strikes, the United Nations said.
Reuters

Gaza relies on Israel for most of its power, which was cut off following the attack. Its sole power plant ran out of fuel on Wednesday.

Oct 12, 2023, 2:40 PM EDT

No plans for US troops on the ground in Israel

The White House said there are no intentions to send U.S. troops to Israel.

"The Israelis have made it very clear that they don't want foreign troops on their soil. That they want to prosecute these operations on their own and they have every right to want to do that," said John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council.

Kirby said the U.S. would "do everything we can to improve" the capabilities of the Israeli military.

And as humanitarian concerns grow in Gaza, Kirby told reporters that there are "ongoing conversations" with Israeli counterparts about the need for the "continued flow of humanitarian assistance" to the area.

-ABC News' Justin Gomez and Molly Nagle

Oct 12, 2023, 1:18 PM EDT

27 Americans among the dead: Kirby

The death toll of American citizens in Israel now stands at 27, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, said at a White House briefing on Thursday.

Fourteen Americans remain unaccounted for.

The death toll of American citizens in Israel now stands at 27, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, said at a White House briefing on Thursday.
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27 Americans among the dead in Israel: KirbyThe death toll of American citizens in Israel now stands at 27, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, said at a White House briefing on Thursday.
ABCNews.com

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