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 17, 2023, 11:32 AM EDT

IDF preparing to implement 'wide range of offensive plans'

The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday that it's "preparing to implement a wide range of offensive plans" after mobilizing hundreds of thousands of reserves and several days of combat.

Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, president of Mind Israel, joins ABC News foreign correspondent James Longman to break down the reaction to how Israel is handling the situation in Gaza.
8:10

Israel forces prepare for ground invasion

Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, president of Mind Israel, joins ABC News foreign correspondent James Longman to break down the reaction to how Israel is handling the situation in Gaza.
ABCNews.com

Oct 17, 2023, 11:14 AM EDT

Gaza death toll climbs to 3,000

In Gaza, at least 3,000 people have been killed, including about 1,000 women and 1,000 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Another 12,500 people in Gaza have been injured.

Palestinians carry a wounded man following Israeli strikes on houses in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 17, 2023.
Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters

Oct 17, 2023, 10:51 AM EDT

Turkey, France in talks with Hamas

French President Emmanuel Macron said there's been contact with Hamas via "several friendly intermediary powers" to try and negotiate the release of hostages.

Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, said it's launched talks with Hamas' political wing as it efforts the release of foreigners, civilians and children.

Oct 17, 2023, 10:42 AM EDT

Another Hamas leader killed

The Israel Defense Forces said its fighter jets have killed Iman Nofal, a senior Hamas member who was a former leader of Hamas' military intelligence.

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