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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17 Americans missing
Seventeen Americans are missing, including an unknown number of Americans being held hostage by Hamas, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.
"I think we all need to steel ourselves for the very distinct possibility that these numbers will keep increasing and that we may, in fact, find out that more Americans are part of the hostage pool," Kirby said.
He said the conditions and whereabouts of the hostages are not known.
"We don't know where they are, we don’t know if they're all in one group, or broken up into several groups. We don't know if they're being moved, and with what frequency and to what locations. All of those questions we're working hard to answer," he said.
Pressed by ABC News if U.S. officials have seen any proof of life, Kirby said, "I am not aware of any specific proof of live on any individual hostage."
Asked if the U.S. has had any communication with Hamas, directly or through allies, Kirby said, "We're in discussions not only with the Israelis about what hostage recovery can look like, but with other allies and partners in the region. And there are some countries like Qatar that have open lines of communication with Hamas. So, of course, we're casting the net wide."
"We haven't made any policy options or operational decisions with respect to hostage recovery at this time," he said.
Kirby said there is no "specific evidence that Iran was directly involved with these specific sets of attacks" on Israel, but he added, "We are going to keep looking at it -- the book is not closed."
In recent days, the White House has consistently said there was no evidence pointing to Iran’s participation but said Iran was broadly complicit with their past funding and support for Hamas.
-ABC News' Mary Bruce
House lawmaker traveled to Israel to help evacuate Americans
Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., a freshman lawmaker and veteran who served in Iraq, has traveled to Israel and is working to help evacuate Americans through Jordan, a spokesperson confirmed to ABC News. News of his trip was first reported by The Floridian.
-ABC News' Ben Siegel and Lauren Peller
9 workers from United Nations Relief and Works Agency killed
Nine workers from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency have been killed from strikes on Gaza, the agency said.
"UNRWA staff are working around the clock to respond to the needs of the displaced in the shelters," the agency said. "However, some are overcrowded and have limited availability of food, other basic items and potable water."
'Hostile aircraft' entering Israeli air space was false alarm
Reports of an infiltration into Israeli air space from Lebanon have been determined to be a false alarm, the Israel Defense Forces said.
Multiple alerts were heard along the northern border.
Israel and Hezbollah were openly exchanging fire at the northern border earlier in the day.
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