Israel-Gaza updates: Israeli forces preparing for 'wide range of offensive plans'

Fighting is ongoing after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

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.


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.

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


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UN says still no aid has entered Gaza in over a week

The blockade of supplies into Gaza continues, according to a spokeswoman for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

"No fuel, no food, no water, and no other kind of aid," Juliette Touma, the spokeswoman for the UNRWA, said in a statement.

The UNRWA also estimated the number of displaced people in Gaza at 1 million people and denied reports of fuel entering through Rafah.


Schumer urges Senate to work on aid package

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, fresh off his return from Israel, harshly condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel and repeatedly insisted that the Senate act quickly to provide an aid package to Israel.

In the coming days, Schumer said he'd work with the administration to craft a package that includes military, humanitarian, intelligence and diplomatic aid. The administration has not yet presented a formal ask for Israeli relief, but Schumer said in a conversation with Israeli leaders, he's learned what the nation needs most.

He also said it's incumbent on the Senate to begin work on the package to "give Israel the tools it needs to defend itself" and to move on it quickly, even as the House remains without a speaker. He said supporting Israel must be "at the front and center of our attention."

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin


Israel's security chief takes responsibility for intelligence failure

Ronen Bar, director of Israel's Shin Bet security service, said in a letter, "We were unable to generate a sufficient warning" for Hamas' attack.

"As the one who is at the head of the organization -- the responsibility for this is mine," he wrote.

Bar said there will be time for an investigation, but for now, Israelis are fighting.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky


DC protesters call for cease-fire in Gaza

A large group of protesters are rallying outside the White House calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.

More than 30 people have been arrested, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

The organizers of the rally said protesters came from all over the country to "protest for peace." Two demonstrators said they felt President Joe Biden's handling of the crisis has been "shameful" and "catastrophic."

The president has emphasized that Hamas does not represent all Palestinian people, who are also suffering, but some protesters told ABC News they didn't think Biden's language was strong enough.

-ABC News' Selina Wang


At least 25 Americans confirmed dead in Israel: Blinken

In remarks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at least 25 Americans had now been confirmed dead in Israel.

Netanyahu described some of the atrocities committed by Hamas.

"Hamas has shown itself to be an enemy of civilization: The massacring of young people in an outdoor music festival, the butchering of entire families, the murder of parents in front of their children and the murder of children in front of their parents. The burning of people alive, the beheadings," he said.

"Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated," he said. "They shouldn't be spit out from the community of nations. No leader should meet them. No country should harbor them. And those that do should be sanctioned."

Blinken said he was speaking not only as an American diplomat, but as a Jew, a husband and a father of young children, saying it was impossible for him to look at photos of families killed "and not think of my own children."

"The same time that we've been shocked by the depravity of Hamas, we've also been inspired by the bravery of Israel citizens," he said. "The grandfather who drove over an hour to a kibbutz under siege, armed only with a pistol and rescued his kids and grandkids. The mother who died shielding her teenage son with her body, giving her life to save his -- giving him life for a second time."

Blinken remarked that some U.S. aid had already been delivered, and that more military aid was on his way. He said the administration would work with Congress to meet Israel’s additional needs and that bipartisan support for Israel was "overwhelming."

The secretary called on world leaders to condemn Hamas.

Blinken also reiterated that Israel "has the right -- indeed, the obligation -- to defend itself" but that it was "so important to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians."

-ABC News' Shannon Crawford