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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Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
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 08, 2023, 1:44 PM EDT

Pentagon: US will 'rapidly' send munitions to Israel

The U.S. is sending a carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean to bolster deterrence in the region and "will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions," according to a statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday.

"Today, in response to this Hamas attack on Israel, and following detailed discussions with President Biden, I have directed several steps to strengthen Department of Defense posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts," he said.

The U.S. materiel support will begin shipping today and will arrive in the coming days, according to Austin.

Israeli forces cross a main road in their armoured personnel carrier (APC) as additional troops are deployed near the southern city of Sderot on Oct. 8, 2023.
Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

The strike group will include the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and four guided-missile destroyers -- the USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney and USS Roosevelt, Austin said.

The U.S. will also boost its F-35, F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter squadrons in the region, according to the defense secretary.

"The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required," he said.

-ABC News' Matt Seyler

Oct 08, 2023, 1:34 PM EDT

More than 700 dead in Israel: Health officials

More than 700 people are dead in Israel and over 2,100 others injured, Israeli health officials said.

The Palestinian Health Authority said there are 370 people dead in Gaza and 2,200 others injured.

Oct 08, 2023, 1:24 PM EDT

Biden tells Netanyahu 'additional assistance' for IDF is on its way

President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday and informed him the U.S. was providing "additional assistance for the Israeli Defense Forces" was already on its way "with more to follow over the coming days," according to the White House.

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow

Oct 08, 2023, 1:09 PM EDT

Biden directs 'additional support for Israel,' receives briefing on attacks

President Joe Biden "directed additional support for Israel in the face of this unprecedented terrorist assault by Hamas," the White House said Sunday.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received briefings Sunday morning on the attacks in Israel.

-ABC News' Fritz Farrow

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