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 8, 2023, 12:06 AM 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.

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 08, 2023, 12:06 AM EDT

Israel suspends supply of electricity, fuel and goods to Gaza Strip: Police

Early Sunday morning, Israel police said in a statement, "The first phase ends in these hours by the destruction of the majority of the enemy forces that penetrated our territory. At the same time we started the offensive formation and it will continue without reservation and without respite until the objectives are achieved."

Israeli police announced the cabinet decided the supply of electricity, fuel and goods to the Gaza Strip will be suspended.

"We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win," Israeli police said.

Oct 07, 2023, 10:49 PM EDT

Schumer vows commitment to 'deliver everything Israel requires in this time'

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Saturday spoke with top officials from the Central Intelligence Agency and the State Department during a briefing on the situation in Israel.

Schumer's office released a statement, stating, "The enormous loss of life is gut-wrenching, and I am appalled at the viciousness of the attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians. I expressed my commitment to top Biden Administration officials – and directly to Ambassador Herzog – to do all I can to deliver everything Israel requires in this time of urgent need. I will continue to receive regular briefings."

Schumer is currently overseas in China on a Congressional trip.

The statement continued, "This is one of the worst attacks Israel has ever experienced, and friends of Israel in the US and around the world must stand strongly by her. My heart goes out to those that lost loved ones."

Oct 07, 2023, 10:12 PM EDT

FAA urges US airlines to 'use caution' in Israeli airspace

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement Saturday night urging U.S. airlines and pilots to "use caution" when flying in Israeli airspace.

In a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), the FAA said to exercise extreme caution at all altitudes due to the "ongoing conflict situation between Israel and Gaza."

NOTAM's statement told flight crews to remain in contact with "air traffic control at all times" and to monitor for "possible airspace closures."

Oct 07, 2023, 7:47 PM EDT

'Panic' at Israeli music festival

A music festival near Re'im, Israel, came under fire amid the Hamas attacks, a festivalgoer recounted to ABC News.

Eliav Klein said that around 5:30 a.m. local time Saturday, missiles and gunfire began to target the festival. He and others ran "in a panic," losing track of many of their friends. Some of Klein's friends are still missing, he said.

Footage captured rockets flying across the horizon, interrupting the festival.

Rockets fly overhead during a music festival near Re'im, Israel, Oct. 7, 2023.
Eliav Klein

-ABC News' Christopher Looft

Related Topics