Israel-Gaza updates: Biden speaks with Netanyahu about hostages, Gaza aid

The hostages are two elderly women who are both Israeli nationals.

ByABC NEWS
Last Updated: October 18, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT

Thousands of people have died and thousands more were injured after the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel retaliated with a bombing campaign and total siege of the neighboring Gaza Strip, leaving the region on the verge of all-out war.

At least 1,400 people have died and 4,629 others have been injured in Israel, according to Israeli authorities. In Gaza, 5,087 people have died and 15,273 have been wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Authority.

Aid workers and officials fear that Israel's call for an evacuation of the northern part of Gaza is precipitating a humanitarian disaster as electricity and other supplies have been cut off in preparation for what appears to be an imminent ground offensive.

Humanitarian groups have urged Israel to call off the evacuation and agree to a cease-fire, even as the country has asserted a right to defend itself -- a right the United States endorses.

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Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Oct 18, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT

Biden: 'Pursuing every avenue' to bring home hostages

President Joe Biden said Wednesday he comes to Israel with a single message: "You're not alone."

"To those who are living in limbo, waiting desperately to learn the fate of a loved one, especially to families of the hostages, you're not alone," Biden said in remarks from Israel. "We're working with partners throughout the region, pursuing every avenue to bring home those who are being held captive by Hamas."

"I can't speak publicly about all the details, but let me assure you, for me, as the American president, there is no higher priority than the release and safe return of all these hostages," he said.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from Ashkelon, in southern Israel, Oct. 17, 2023.
Amir Cohen/Reuters

Oct 18, 2023, 9:12 AM EDT

Pentagon independently concluded Islamic Jihad responsible for hospital blast

President Joe Biden was asked by a reporter in Israel on Wednesday what made him confident that the Israelis weren't behind the explosion that killed hundreds at a Gaza hospital on Tuesday.

Biden responded that it was "the data I was shown by my Defense Department."

Two U.S. officials told ABC News the Pentagon independently concluded the Gaza hospital blast was likely caused by an errant Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket that fell short of its target.

Israeli authorities are blaming the hospital blast on a misfired rocket launched by militants in Gaza, while Palestinian officials are claiming it was an Israeli airstrike.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 471 were killed and 314 others were injured.

At least 500 civilians are dead after an explosion at a hospital in Gaza that was sheltering thousands of Palestinians.
4:57

Hospital strike kills hundreds in Gaza

At least 500 civilians are dead after an explosion at a hospital in Gaza that was sheltering thousands of Palestinians.

-ABC News' Matthew Seyler

Oct 18, 2023, 9:44 AM EDT

Biden has emotional meeting with families, first responders

In Israel on Wednesday, President Joe Biden met with first responders and families of victims and hostages.

Biden spoke with a pediatric physician who moved from New York to Israel eight years ago. She said she "never could have prepared" for the mass casualty event she experienced following the attacks and described for the president the wounded children and soldiers she treated.

U.S. President Joe Biden embraces Inbal Lieberman, during a meeting with Israeli first responders, family members and other citizens directly impacted by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 18, 2023.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

One first responder was overcome with emotion as he recounted the atrocities the Hamas militants inflicted on women and children.

Biden also met with a woman who lost two of her family members in the attacks. The woman said one of her killed relatives was an American citizen.

During a meeting with leaders in Israel, President Joe Biden said the hospital blast was "done by the other team."
3:51

Biden meets with first responders in Tel Aviv

During a meeting with leaders in Israel, President Joe Biden said the hospital blast was "done by the other team."

-ABC News' Justin Gomez

Oct 18, 2023, 7:13 AM EDT

Biden vows US support 'to prevent more tragedy'

President Joe Biden on Wednesday vowed U.S. support for Israel as members of his administration began a larger meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet.

President Joe Biden said the U.S. will support Israel “today, tomorrow and always.”
1:12

‘We will continue to have Israel’s back,’ Biden says

President Joe Biden said the U.S. will support Israel “today, tomorrow and always.”

"In the wake of Hamas' appalling terrorist assault -- brutal, inhumane, almost beyond belief what they did, this cabinet came together and standing strong, standing united and I want you to know you are not alone," Biden said in Tel Aviv.

President Joe Biden listens to Israel's Prime Minister as he makes a statement before their meeting, in Tel Aviv on Oct. 18, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

He added, "You are not alone. As I emphasized earlier, we will continue to have Israel's back, as you work to defend your people. We'll continue to work with you and partners across the region to prevent more tragedy to innocent civilians."

-ABC News' Sarah Kolinovsky

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