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.
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Gaza school sheltering families hit by airstrikes
Six people were killed and dozens were injured when a Gaza school sheltering refugees was hit by Israeli airstrikes, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency said.
At least 4,000 people have taken refuge in the school, UNRWA said.
IDF preparing to implement 'wide range of offensive plans'
The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday that it's "preparing to implement a wide range of offensive plans" after mobilizing hundreds of thousands of reserves and several days of combat.
Gaza death toll climbs to 3,000
In Gaza, at least 3,000 people have been killed, including about 1,000 women and 1,000 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Another 12,500 people in Gaza have been injured.
Turkey, France in talks with Hamas
French President Emmanuel Macron said there's been contact with Hamas via "several friendly intermediary powers" to try and negotiate the release of hostages.
Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, said it's launched talks with Hamas' political wing as it efforts the release of foreigners, civilians and children.
Hostages suffering from amputated limbs, severe injuries from rape: Israeli forum
The Israeli hostages in Gaza include an elderly women with Parkinson's disease, a 60-year-old man with multiple sclerosis and children with autism, according to the Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Other hostages are suffering from amputated limbs and severe injuries from rape, the group said.
The hostages are "enduring extreme conditions as time runs critically short," the group said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said its met with Hamas leadership and is pushing Hamas for immediate release of the hostages.
The Red Cross is also asking Hamas to allow access to the hostages to provide care and to permit hostages to communicate with their families.
-ABC News' Will Gretsky