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.
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:
- At least 500 killed in explosion at Gaza hospital: Gaza Health Ministry
- IDF preparing to implement 'wide range of offensive plans'
- 3,000 tons of aid with nowhere to go as Gaza-Egypt border remains closed
- Biden to visit Israel
- Hostages suffering from amputated limbs, severe injuries from rape: Israeli forum
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.
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
Biden speaks about his call with families of missing Americans
President Joe Biden on Friday spoke briefly about his phone call with family members of missing Americans.
"We're working around the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas," Biden said.
"They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children are," Biden said. "It's gut-wrenching. I assured them my personal commitment to do everything possible, everything possible, to return every missing American to their families."
-ABC News' Molly Nagle
UNICEF calls for immediate humanitarian pause in Gaza
UNICEF on Friday urged Israel to rescind its call for a mass evacuation of northern Gaza, saying there needs to be an immediate humanitarian pause to "scale and sustain lifesaving services for children."
"The situation is catastrophic, with unrelenting bombing and a massive increase in the displacement of children and families. There are no safe places," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. "An immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access are the top priorities to allow much needed aid to children and families in Gaza."
"There are rules of war," the statement continued. "Children in Gaza need lifesaving support and every minute counts.”
UNICEF said the situation is becoming "increasingly difficult and dangerous" and humanitarians have been warned to leave Gaza City, but that it will stay to provide support for children in need.
-ABC News' Ben Gittleson
Lufthansa suspending flights to and from Beirut
Lufthansa is suspending flights to and from Beirut, Lebanon, "due to the current situation in the Middle East," the airline said in a statement on Friday.
Lufthansa and Eurowings flights to the region will be suspended through Oct. 16.
Members of Congress urge US airlines to resume Israel flights
At least 32 members of Congress wrote a letter to the CEOs of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines urging them "to resume flights as soon as possible to Tel Aviv and keep your operations flexible to assist with bringing Americans home and moving innocent civilians out of harm's way."
While U.S.-based airlines have stopped flights to and from Tel Aviv, they have been working with the U.S. government to bolster their operations in Europe to help get fleeing Americans home after they land in European cities.
The lawmakers wrote that certain "barriers" to resuming operations "may seem too complex or too difficult, but as long as there are Americans in need and a way to operate safely -- we must try."
-ABC News' Ben Gittleson
At least 155 Israeli soldiers killed
The families of 155 Israeli soldiers have received death notices so far, the Israel Defense Forces said.