Israel-Gaza updates: IDF 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 7, 2023, 5:01 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 EDT

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 07, 2023, 5:01 PM EDT

Israeli ambassador to US calls attacks 'war crimes'

In a strongly worded statement, Israel's ambassador to the U.S. labeled the Hamas attacks as "war crimes" and vowed that Israel will fight back.

"Those of our enemies who believe that Israel is weak because of its internal debate have totally miscalculated. When under attack, Israelis close ranks and join together in fighting for Israel's self-defense," Michael Herzog declared. "This is war. We will fight to win and deter the terrorists from any future attacks."

The ambassador also directly blamed Iran for the surprise attack, saying, "Hamas is a U.S. and E.U. designated terror organization and a close ally of Iran. Iran's hands are evidently behind the scenes, leading the so-called Axis of Resistance to Israel's existence."

-ABC News' Shannon K. Crawford

Oct 07, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT

Israel will take 'vengeance for this black day': Netanyahu

Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will "reach every place Hamas is hiding" during an address late Saturday and urged "Gaza's people to leave those places now.”

Israel will take "vengeance for this black day," he added.

People react at the site where a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 7, 2023.
Itai Ron/Reuters

At least 300 people have been killed and thousands injured since Hamas launched its surprise attack. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 232 are dead and another 1,790 injured in Gaza. According to the Israeli Health Ministry, over 100 people are dead and over 900 others are injured -- though multiple Israeli news outlets are reporting at least 250 Israelis have been killed and another 1,500 injured.

Israeli army spokesman Richard Hech also reported "severe" hostage situations were ongoing in Kibbutz Be'eri and Ofakim, with an unknown number of Israelis being held hostage.

A handout photo obtained from the media office of Hamas' Qassam Brigades shows what the group says its fighters infiltrating the Israeli side of Israel-Gaza border, Oct. 7, 2023.
Qassam Bridges Media Office via Reuters

Israel said the assault started at sunrise, when Hamas attacked 22 sites bordering Gaza by breaching some border fences.

Oct 07, 2023, 3:11 PM EDT

Biden administration to remain in 'constant contact' with leaders in the region

President Joe Biden said he spoke with Jordanian King Abdullah II, members of the U.S. Congress and directed his national security team to remain in contact with their Israeli counterparts.

"I've also directed my team to remain in constant contact with leaders throughout the region including Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, as well as our European partners and the Palestinian Authority," Biden said.

President Joe Biden said the United States "stands with Israel" following the surprise attacks by Palestinian militants.
President Joe Biden said the United States "stands with Israel" following the surprise attacks by Palestinian militants.

Oct 07, 2023, 2:59 PM EDT

Biden says support for Israel's security is 'rock solid and unwavering'

President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House on Saturday expressing U.S. support for Israel in light of Hamas' attack.

"We will not ever fail to have their back," Biden said.

President Joe Biden speaks about the conflict in Israel, after Hamas launched its biggest attack in decades, while making a statement about the crisis, at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 7, 2023.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

"Israel has the right to defend itself and his people full stop. There is never a justification for terrorist attacks and my administration's support for Israel security is rock solid and unwavering. Let me say this as clearly as I can. This is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage. The world is watching," Biden said.

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