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
About 220,000 Palestinians sheltering in UN facilities across Gaza
An estimated 220,000 Palestinians are sheltering throughout 92 United Nations relief and refugee facilities Refugees facilities across the Gaza Strip, according to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Guterres called for "rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access now," early Thursday morning, local time.
Health services in Gaza have reached 'critical stage'
Hospitals in Gaza are working at full capacity and have run out of space for those "wounded from Israeli airstrikes" to be treated, the Palestinian-Gaza Strip Ministry of Health said in a press release Wednesday.
The Ministry called for urgent action to be taken to provide safe passage for medical supplies and to transfer the wounded. Health services have reached a critical stage, according to the release, with "medicines, medical consumables and fuel" expected to run out imminently.
IDF talks to David Muir about possible ground incursion
An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson addressed a possible ground incursion in an interview with David Muir, as the "World News Tonight" anchor reports from Israel.
IDF Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told Muir Wednesday that the "carnage" in the kibbutz of Be'eri, where more than 100 bodies were found, "definitely put things into perspective."
Following Hamas' attack, 360,000 Israeli reservists have been called up and tanks and soldiers are amassing on the Gaza border.
"One could deduce that from the troops that we have called up that it is what they will be tasked to do," Conricus told Muir, adding that at the end of the war, Hamas "won't have the military ability to kill or hurt Israeli civilians ever again."
Asked whether there was any scenario where a ground incursion would not happen, Conricus responded that it's "difficult to say."
"I personally don't think so. But that matters less," he said. "Our job is to be prepared and have all the troops ready for whatever assignment and however it is decided to implement them."
Where diplomatic efforts to free hostages stand
Two U.S. officials familiar with the diplomatic efforts to free hostages told ABC News it appears that allies and partners in the Middle East in communication with Hamas are being helpful in advocating for their release.
The officials say Hamas has shown no real willingness to partake in diplomacy up to this point.
Hamas’ designation as a foreign terrorist organization also complicates any negotiations involving the U.S., because the official label makes it illegal for any American to knowingly provide "material support or resources," which includes personnel.
Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steve Gillen is among the U.S. delegation en route to Israel with the Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In remarks earlier Wednesday, President Joe Biden said "there's a lot we're doing" to bring the hostages home.
"In the days ahead we're gonna continue to work closely with our partners in Israel and around the world,” he said.
-ABC News' Shannon K. Crawford
Over 300 dead, thousands injured in Gaza, Israel, authorities say
The death toll continues to climb with over 300 people reported dead in Gaza and Israel.
The Palestinian Health Authority said 198 are dead and 1,610 others are injured in Gaza. According to the Israeli Health Ministry over 100 people are dead and over 900 others are injured.
Just before sundown in a western Gaza City, a massive explosion and fireball were reported after Israel warplanes hit a high-rise apartment complex. The Gaza Interior Ministry said the building housed approximately 100 families.