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 17, 2023, 4:16 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

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 11, 2023, 2:01 PM EDT

House lawmaker traveled to Israel to help evacuate Americans

Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., a freshman lawmaker and veteran who served in Iraq, has traveled to Israel and is working to help evacuate Americans through Jordan, a spokesperson confirmed to ABC News. News of his trip was first reported by The Floridian.

-ABC News' Ben Siegel and Lauren Peller

Oct 11, 2023, 1:44 PM EDT

9 workers from United Nations Relief and Works Agency killed

Nine workers from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency have been killed from strikes on Gaza, the agency said.

"UNRWA staff are working around the clock to respond to the needs of the displaced in the shelters," the agency said. "However, some are overcrowded and have limited availability of food, other basic items and potable water."

Oct 11, 2023, 1:21 PM EDT

'Hostile aircraft' entering Israeli air space was false alarm

Reports of an infiltration into Israeli air space from Lebanon have been determined to be a false alarm, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Multiple alerts were heard along the northern border.

Israel and Hezbollah were openly exchanging fire at the northern border earlier in the day.

Oct 11, 2023, 12:56 PM EDT

Gaza without power

Gaza is now without power. The main hospital remains at full capacity.

Gaza relies on Israel for most of its power, which was cut off following the attack. Its sole power plant ran out of fuel on Wednesday.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Oct. 11, 2023.
Hatem Moussa/AP

Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes in the Karama area, northern Gaza Strip Oct. 11, 2023.
Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images

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