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 09, 2023, 6:42 PM EDT

US, France, Germany, Italy, UK release joint statement condemning Hamas

The White House released a statement shortly after President Biden spoke with key allies about the latest developments in Israel.

The leaders expressed their "steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism."

"We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned," the statement read.

The leaders said they will support Israel's right to defend itself.

"We further emphasize that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage," they said.

A medic runs as he carries an injured Palestinian child to ambulance in this screengrab taken from a video, in Gaza, Oct. 9, 2023.
Stringer/Reuters

At the same time, the leaders said they "recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

"But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed," the statement read.

Oct 09, 2023, 6:27 PM EDT

Biden to give remarks on terrorist attacks in Israel Tuesday: White House

President Joe Biden will deliver remarks on the terrorist attacks in Israel from the White House at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, according to a White House official.

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

Oct 09, 2023, 6:16 PM EDT

Son 'sad,' 'anxious' as 74-year-old mother remains missing

A 74-year-old mother who is missing in Israel fought for peace her whole life, her son told ABC News Live on Monday.

Yonatan Zeigen said he last heard from his mother, Vivian Silver, at 11:07 a.m. on Saturday morning while she was hiding in a closet as Hamas fighters entered her house.

Zeigen added that he didn't know if Israeli soldiers had been to her house yet and hadn't heard "anything concrete" about the search yet.


Zeigen talked about his mother's commitment to peace, since Silver moved to a kibbutz in Israel in the 1990s.

"She fought for equality," he said. "She's been involved with a lot of different organizations promoting peace and promoting solution for the conflict.

"Up until recently, she would drive sick Palestinians from the Gaza border to Israeli hospitals through an organization called Road to Recovery," Zeigen said.

"No, I'm primarily sad, and anxious," Zeigen said when asked if he was angry about the situation. "War is blind. You can do what you do in your life...it doesn't make you any less of a target in times of war."

-ABC News' Michelle Stoddart

Oct 09, 2023, 5:48 PM EDT

Obama reacts to attack on Israel

Former President Barack Obama released a statement Monday evening condemning Hamas' attack on Israel over the weekend.

"All Americans should be horrified and outraged by the brazen terrorist attacks on Israel and the slaughter of innocent civilians," Obama said in his statement. "We grieve for those who died, pray for the safe return of those who’ve been held hostage, and stand squarely alongside our ally, Israel, as it dismantles Hamas."

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