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
Just the 'beginning' of this war: Former Israeli ambassador
In an interview with ABC News Live, Michael Oren, the former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., warned that we are just at the "beginning of this war."
Oren said the possibility of another front is "almost certain now," saying he thinks Hezbollah will join the conflict. He also warned that this war will differ from past ones in the region like the Six Day War and Yom Kippur War because this will be fought in locations that are densely populated with civilians.
"This war, by very marked contrast, is fought in the Israeli heartland," Oren said. "It is the vast majority of our casualties are civilians. We're fighting against an enemy that wants to destroy us at any cost and will do so in the most brutal manner and massacre our civilians."
Oren said the support from the U.S. has been crucial during a time of great "agony."
"To have the leaders of the most powerful country in the world, to come out in support of us in that way, so categorically, so unequivocally condemning terror was very moving for all of us, a great source of relief," Oren said.
Iranian foreign minister doesn't rule out new front in war
When asked about the possibility of another front opening in the war, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told reporters that "anything is possible."
"Our clear-cut response about future possibilities is that everything is dependent on the moves of the Zionist regime in Gaza," Amir-Abdollahian said at the airport in Beirut.
Following Israel's siege of Gaza, including cutting off its water supply and power, and the death of Palestinian civilians, "anything is possible, and we may witness new events in the region," he said.
Iran, which does not recognize Israel, has acknowledged giving financial and moral support to Hamas.
Israel issues warning ahead of 'Day of Rage'
The Israeli government has issued a warning for Israelis around the world to be vigilant ahead of Friday, when Hamas is calling on their supporters to hold worldwide "Day of Rage" protests that could turn violent.
In the U.S., every major city police department is on a heightened state of alert.
In New York City, the police department has canceled vacations and instructed all members to show up in uniform.
The FBI also said it is "aware" of open-source reporting about the global call for action by Hamas.
"We are working closely with our law enforcement partners across the country to share information and identify and disrupt any threats that may emerge," the FBI said in a statement.
US Embassy to help Americans evacuate Israel
The U.S. Embassy said it'll offer transportation for Americans looking to leaving Israel beginning on Friday.
"It will take some period of time to schedule everyone seeking to depart," the embassy said. "Transportation will be by air to Athens or Frankfurt, or sea from Haifa to Cyprus. You will not be able to choose your destination – we will assign you to the next available flight or ship."
"You should be prepared to depart within 8-12 hours of receiving notice of your booking. Each traveler may bring one small carry on item no more than 22 pounds (10 kg) and one suitcase no more than 35 pounds (16 kg)," the embassy said.
Delta Air Lines said it's partnering with the government to help set up flights through Athens.
United Airlines said it's adding extra flights with capped fares between Athens and Newark, New Jersey, and will use a larger plane for its Athens to Washington flight. "We’re in close touch with the U.S. State Department as it seeks to add additional options for Americans traveling from the region," United said.
American Airlines also said it is working "closely" with the State Department on its needs.
The U.S. expects "these initial travel options to facilitate the safe departure of thousands of U.S. citizens per week," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
A separate official said that the State Department remains in contact with "several thousand" American citizens in Israel, but it’s unclear how many will ultimately decide to leave. Some have already departed.
The State Department estimates that roughly 500,000 American citizens live in Israel.
-ABC News' Amanda Maile, Will Gretsky and Shannon Crawford
Netanyahu speaks with Putin
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday evening, his office said.
"The Prime Minister made it clear that Israel had been attacked by brutal and abhorrent murderers, had gone to war determined and united and would not stop until it had destroyed Hamas's military and governing capabilities," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
-ABC News' Clark Bentson