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.
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
Reuters videographer killed
Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah was killed while providing a live signal in southern Lebanon, Reuters said.
"We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam’s family and colleagues," Reuters said. "Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time."
Two other Reuters journalists were injured.
Biden speaks with families of 14 unaccounted for Americans
President Joe Biden on Friday morning spoke with family members of the 14 Americans who remain unaccounted for after the attack in Israel, according to the White House.
-ABC News' Molly Nagle
Doctors Without Borders: Israeli order to evacuate northern Gaza 'outrageous'
Doctors Without Borders issued a statement Friday calling the Israeli government’s 24-hour notice to leave northern Gaza "outrageous."
"We are talking about more than a million human beings," Doctors Without Borders said in a statement. "'Unprecedented' doesn’t even cover the medical humanitarian impact of this. Gaza is being flattened, thousands of people are dying. This must stop now. We condemn Israel’s demand in the strongest possible terms."
Over 423,000 people have been displaced in Gaza so far, according to the United Nations.
London sees rise in antisemitism, police up patrols
Police in London are upping patrols amid a rise in antisemitism following the Hamas terror attack, the Metropolitan Police said.
"Officers have visited more than 200 schools as well as more than 300 synagogues, mosques and other places of worship," police said. "Some of our communities are telling us they feel very vulnerable and we are working with their leaders, faith groups and others to reassure them and ensure they feel safe."
Police said they're expecting thousands of people to participate in a pro-Palestine march in London on Saturday.
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