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."
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Latest headlines:
- At least 500 killed in explosion at Gaza hospital: Gaza Health Ministry
- IDF preparing to implement 'wide range of offensive plans'
- 3,000 tons of aid with nowhere to go as Gaza-Egypt border remains closed
- Biden to visit Israel
- Hostages suffering from amputated limbs, severe injuries from rape: Israeli forum
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
IDF tells 'all residents of Gaza City to evacuate'
Israel Defense Forces called for "all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes" and "move south for their protection" early Friday morning local time in a series of posts on X.
The IDF told residents to 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."
The IDF said in its posts that it believes Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City, including in buildings with "innocent civilians” inside.
"[D]istance yourself from the Hamas terrorists who use you as a human shield," the post read.
The message was released a short time after the UN made a similar announcement, also citing Israel's military.
-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman
'Approximately 1.1 million' people in Gaza told to evacuate within 24 hours
United Nations team leaders in Gaza were informed by their liaison officers in the Israeli military that "the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours," a U.N. spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News.
"This amounts to approximately 1.1 million people," the spokesperson added.
"The United Nations considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences," the spokesperson said.
-ABC News' Samy Zyara and Ellie Kaufman
Israelis hold candlelight vigil in Tel Aviv
Israelis in Tel Aviv held a candlelight vigil on Thursday for the victims of the Oct. 7 surprise terrorist attack by Hamas.
Ran Oren, who donated candles for the vigil, which was held around a fountain in central Tel Aviv, told Reuters that each candle donated represented each victim of the attack. He said the vigil was held in order to "light this dark moment."
Dozens of onlookers could be seen gathered around the makeshift vigil, some of them lighting candles along the fountain.
The vigil was first reported by Reuters.
Hospitals, health system are at 'breaking point' in Gaza: WHO
Hospitals and the health system in the Gaza Strip are at a "breaking point," the UN World Health Organization said in a release Thursday.
"Hospitals have only a few hours of electricity each day as they are forced to ration depleting fuel reserves and rely on generators to sustain the most critical functions," the WHO said in the release. "Even these functions will have to cease in a few days, when fuel stocks are due to run out."
WHO said it documented 34 attacks on health care in Gaza since Saturday, Oct. 7. These attacks have resulted in "the death of 11 health workers on duty, 16 injuries and damages to 19 health facilities and 20 ambulances," the release said.
-ABC News’ Ellie Kaufman
Blinken says US condemns Hamas' attack on Israel
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement condemning Hamas' attack on Israel, saying the U.S. will "remain in close contact with our Israel partners."
"The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel, including civilians and civilian communities. There is never any justification for terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Israel, and extend our condolences for the Israeli lives lost in these attacks," Blinken said in a statement.
-ABC News' Shannon Crawford