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."

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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 14, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT

Gaza, Egypt border not open yet for foreign evacuees

The Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt is not yet open to foreigners, including Americans, looking to evacuate. But if Americans who want to evacuate can move closer to the border crossing they should do so, because "there may be very little notice if the crossing opens and it may only open for a limited time," a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said.

Citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes, Oct. 13, 2023 in Gaza City, Gaza.
Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images

We will continue to be in touch with private U.S. citizens to determine what assistance we may be able to provide," the spokesperson said.

A senior State Department official said the department is "in touch with a number of the roughly" 500 to 600 Palestinian-Americans "who have expressed interest in receiving information about leaving."

Some civilians are fleeing on foot as Hamas militants are blocking the border.
6:36
Israeli military calls for mass evacuations in GazaSome civilians are fleeing on foot as Hamas militants are blocking the border.
ABCNews.com

Oct 14, 2023, 9:10 AM EDT

Hamas says 9 hostages killed in airstrikes

Hamas said nine hostages in Gaza have been killed by Israeli airstrikes over the last day.

Oct 14, 2023, 8:05 AM EDT

Hamas commando forces leader killed, Israel says

The Israeli army and Israeli intelligence said they've targeted and killed Hamas commando forces leader Ali Qadi.

Oct 14, 2023, 7:28 AM EDT

US did not ask Israel to hold off on a ground invasion: Official

The United States did not ask Israel to hold off or delay a ground invasion of Gaza, ABC News has learned.

“U.S. officials have not asked Israel to slow down. But discussions did include the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians during any operations,” according to a U.S. official.

The official said the Israelis took it under advisement.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

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