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."

Click here for the latest updates.

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.

Click here for the full timeline

Oct 16, 2023, 8:19 PM EDT

Biden to visit Israel

President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced on Monday night.

Blinken made the announcement following a lengthy meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced on Monday night.
2:42

President Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday: Sec. Blinken

President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced on Monday night.
ABCNews.com

Oct 16, 2023, 7:30 PM EDT

Hamas releases video of apparent 21-year-old hostage

A 21-year-old Israeli hostage appeared in a video released by Hamas on Monday.

Mia Schem's family confirmed to ABC News that she is the person who is speaking in the 78-second video.

It was not known when the video was filmed.

Schem's family was slated to hold a news conference Tuesday morning local time.

-ABC News' Christopher Looft and Ellie Kaufman

Oct 16, 2023, 6:59 PM EDT

IDF says it killed Hamas council member, attacked Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

Israeli Defense Forces and the Shin Bet said they killed the head of the Shura Council of Hamas, Osama al-Mazini, in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF added that it is now attacking military targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanese territory.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman and Michal Dagon

Oct 16, 2023, 5:46 PM EDT

Netanyahu speaks with Putin

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday evening, his office said.

"The Prime Minister made it clear that Israel had been attacked by brutal and abhorrent murderers, had gone to war determined and united and would not stop until it had destroyed Hamas's military and governing capabilities," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

-ABC News' Clark Bentson

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