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, Egypt border not open yet for foreign evacuees
The Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt is not yet open to foreigners, including Americans, looking to evacuate. But if Americans who want to evacuate can move closer to the border crossing they should do so, because "there may be very little notice if the crossing opens and it may only open for a limited time," a U.S. Embassy spokesperson said.
We will continue to be in touch with private U.S. citizens to determine what assistance we may be able to provide," the spokesperson said.
A senior State Department official said the department is "in touch with a number of the roughly" 500 to 600 Palestinian-Americans "who have expressed interest in receiving information about leaving."
Hamas says 9 hostages killed in airstrikes
Hamas said nine hostages in Gaza have been killed by Israeli airstrikes over the last day.
Hamas commando forces leader killed, Israel says
The Israeli army and Israeli intelligence said they've targeted and killed Hamas commando forces leader Ali Qadi.
US did not ask Israel to hold off on a ground invasion: Official
The United States did not ask Israel to hold off or delay a ground invasion of Gaza, ABC News has learned.
“U.S. officials have not asked Israel to slow down. But discussions did include the importance of taking into account the safety of civilians during any operations,” according to a U.S. official.
The official said the Israelis took it under advisement.
-ABC News' Luis Martinez
Israeli ambassador to US calls attacks 'war crimes'
In a strongly worded statement, Israel's ambassador to the U.S. labeled the Hamas attacks as "war crimes" and vowed that Israel will fight back.
"Those of our enemies who believe that Israel is weak because of its internal debate have totally miscalculated. When under attack, Israelis close ranks and join together in fighting for Israel's self-defense," Michael Herzog declared. "This is war. We will fight to win and deter the terrorists from any future attacks."
The ambassador also directly blamed Iran for the surprise attack, saying, "Hamas is a U.S. and E.U. designated terror organization and a close ally of Iran. Iran's hands are evidently behind the scenes, leading the so-called Axis of Resistance to Israel's existence."
-ABC News' Shannon K. Crawford