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.
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