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."
Click here for the latest updates.
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
President Biden expected to speak with families of missing Americans
In a new clip from a "60 Minutes" interview, set to air in full Sunday on CBS, President Biden says he feels strongly about doing this so the families know that their president "cares deeply" about what has happened and will do "everything in our power to get them home if we can find them."
"I think they have to know that the president of the United States of America cares deeply about what's happened to them, deeply. We have to communicate to the world--this is critical, this is not even human behavior. It's pure barbarism. And we're going to do everything in our power to get them home if we can find them," Biden said in the short clip.
-ABC News' Mary Bruce and Molly Nagle
Secretary of Defense Travels to Tel Aviv to Show Support for the People of Israel
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Tel Aviv early Friday morning and will meet with Israeli leaders face-to-face to "underscore the unwavering support of the U.S. for the people of Israel and commitment to ensuring Israel has what it needs to defend itself," according to a Department of Defense statement.
"While in Israel, Secretary Austin will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, and the Israeli War Cabinet. He will also see firsthand some of the U.S. security assistance delivered to Israel. This is Secretary Austin’s second visit to the country this year, and his third as Secretary of Defense," the statement read.
UN Agency for Palestine Refugees relocates central operation to southern Gaza
The U.N. Agency for Palestine Refugees relocated its central operation center and international staff to southern Gaza, the UNRWA said in a post on X early Friday morning local time.
“UNRWA relocated its central operations centre + international staff to the south to continue its humanitarian operations and support to its staff and Palestine Refugees in #Gaza. We urge the Israeli Authorities to protect all civilians in @UNRWA shelters including schools,” the statement read.
The announcement comes as Israel Defense Forces called for "all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes" and "move south for their protection" early Friday morning.
-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman
IDF tells 'all residents of Gaza City to evacuate'
Israel Defense Forces called for "all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes" and "move south for their protection" early Friday morning local time in a series of posts on X.
The IDF told residents to 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."
The IDF said in its posts that it believes Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City, including in buildings with "innocent civilians” inside.
"[D]istance yourself from the Hamas terrorists who use you as a human shield," the post read.
The message was released a short time after the UN made a similar announcement, also citing Israel's military.
-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman
IDF warplanes attack 'over 450 targets' in Gaza neighborhood
Israeli warplanes have struck more than "450 targets" in the Al-Furqan area in Gaza, marking the third attack in the last day, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement early Wednesday local time.
Hamas allegedly had operations in the Al-Furqan neighborhood, and it served as a terror nest where many activities against Israel were carried out, according to the IDF.
The IDF said it will "continue to act powerfully against the infrastructures of the terrorist organization Hamas," including "extensive waves of attacks in the Gaza Strip."
-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman