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 9, 2023, 2:32 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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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.

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Oct 09, 2023, 2:32 PM EDT

Hamas warns it will start killing Israeli hostages

Hamas said the group will start killing Israeli hostages one by one and film the executions unless Israel immediately stops shelling homes in Gaza, or provides warning ahead of attacks.

Israeli officials said at least 100 civilians and soldiers have been taken hostage by Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces said it's obtained information on every Israeli kidnapped and that it has notified 30 families so far.

Oct 09, 2023, 1:17 PM EDT

Israel death toll climbs over 900

The Israel death toll has climbed over 900 since Saturday, with more than 2,500 others injured, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

Israeli police officers evacuate a family from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Oct. 7, 2023.
Tsafrir Abayov/AP

Israelis take cover in a shelter as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from the Gaza strip, in Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 8, 2023.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

Oct 09, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT

Israeli Defense Forces mobilizes record 300,000 reserves

The Israel Defense Forces has mobilized 300,000 reserves -- the largest and quickest call-up in Israel’s history, according to an IDF spokesman.

An Israeli soldier rides on an armored vehicle as the army takes positions near the border with Gaza in southern Israel on Oct. 9, 2023.
Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

Oct 09, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT

Gaza hospital, communication center out of service

Gaza's main hospital, Beit Hanoun Hospital, has been damaged and is now out of service after Israeli forces repeatedly targeted the area, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

A main communication center in Gaza was also destroyed from airstrikes, making it difficult to get internet access or make phone calls.

A Palestinian runs amidst the debris after an Israeli airstrike on buildings in the refugee camp of Jabalia in the Gaza Strip, Oct. 9, 2023.
Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images

Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza, Oct. 9, 2023.
Mohammed Salem/Reuters

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