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
Emirates suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv
Emirates announced it will suspend flights to and from Tel Aviv through Oct. 20.
The airline also said customers with onward connections to Tel Aviv will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
-ABC News' Amanda Maile
At least 25 Americans confirmed dead in Israel: Blinken
In remarks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at least 25 Americans had now been confirmed dead in Israel.
Netanyahu described some of the atrocities committed by Hamas.
"Hamas has shown itself to be an enemy of civilization: The massacring of young people in an outdoor music festival, the butchering of entire families, the murder of parents in front of their children and the murder of children in front of their parents. The burning of people alive, the beheadings," he said.
"Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated," he said. "They shouldn't be spit out from the community of nations. No leader should meet them. No country should harbor them. And those that do should be sanctioned."
Blinken said he was speaking not only as an American diplomat, but as a Jew, a husband and a father of young children, saying it was impossible for him to look at photos of families killed "and not think of my own children."
"The same time that we've been shocked by the depravity of Hamas, we've also been inspired by the bravery of Israel citizens," he said. "The grandfather who drove over an hour to a kibbutz under siege, armed only with a pistol and rescued his kids and grandkids. The mother who died shielding her teenage son with her body, giving her life to save his -- giving him life for a second time."
Blinken remarked that some U.S. aid had already been delivered, and that more military aid was on his way. He said the administration would work with Congress to meet Israel’s additional needs and that bipartisan support for Israel was "overwhelming."
The secretary called on world leaders to condemn Hamas.
Blinken also reiterated that Israel "has the right -- indeed, the obligation -- to defend itself" but that it was "so important to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians."
-ABC News' Shannon Crawford
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Kirya in Tel Aviv.
At the start of the expanded meeting, Netanyahu thanked Blinken for his statement: "We are here; we are not going anywhere."
Also participating in the meeting were Foreign Affairs Minister Eli Cohen, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, the prime minister's chief of staff, the director of the National Security Council, the prime minister's military secretary, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and the prime minister's foreign policy adviser. Among those attending for the American side were the acting U.S. ambassador to Israel, the assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs and the diplomatic adviser.
Afterward, Netanyahu and Blinken will meet privately and then issue statements to the media.
Following the statements, there will be an additional expanded meeting with the participation of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, National Unity Chairman MK Benny Gantz and MK Gadi Eisenkot.
-ABC News' Clark Bentson
How many Americans live in Israel and Gaza?
The State Department does not meticulously track the number of U.S. citizens in any given location, and in Gaza, the circumstances don’t necessarily provide for perfect recordkeeping, but as part of its efforts to join the U.S. visa waiver program this summer, the Israeli government estimated the number of Americans living in Gaza at between 100 and 130, and the Biden administration accepted that range.
Meanwhile, the State Department estimates that roughly 500,000 American citizens reside in Israel, a larger number than many other available calculations likely because Israel’s parameters for who qualifies as a full-time resident of the country are more stringent.
-ABC News' Shannon Crawford
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