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.

ByABC NEWS
Last Updated: October 17, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT

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:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Oct 16, 2023, 2:47 pm

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.

Friends and family mourn Dor Reder, who was killed following a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, at his funeral in Beit Kama, southern Israel, Oct. 16, 2023.
Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters

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

Oct 14, 2023, 4:53 PM EDT

Austin phones Israeli Defense Minister to discuss 'importance of adhering to the law of war'

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Saturday and “discussed the importance of adhering to the law of war, including civilian protection obligations, and addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza while Israel continues its operations to restore security," according to the Pentagon.

President Joe Biden spoke on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

On Biden's call with Abbas, the president "reiterated that Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination” and “offered President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority his full support for these important and ongoing efforts,” according to the White House.

Susannah Heschel, Chair of the Jewish Studies Program at Dartmouth University, and Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security adviser in Israel, explain the conflict.
5:24
Experts breakdown Israel-Hamas conflictSusannah Heschel, Chair of the Jewish Studies Program at Dartmouth University, and Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security adviser in Israel, explain the conflict.
ABCNews.com

Oct 14, 2023, 4:13 PM EDT

Israeli military prepares for 'coordinated strikes,' 'significant ground operations'

The Israel Defense Forces said over the last few days its soldiers have fought Hamas terrorists in Israeli areas around the Gaza Strip and have since regained control of communities, evacuated the injured and taken Hamas fighters' weapons.

Now Israeli soldiers are "preparing to implement a wide range of operational offensive plans, which can include combined and coordinated strikes from the air, sea and land ... with an emphasis on significant ground operations," the IDF said.

The Israel Defense Forces said it's preparing to implement an "integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land."
4:37
Israel announces its ready for 'coordinated attack' on GazaThe Israel Defense Forces said it's preparing to implement an "integrated and coordinated attack from the air, sea and land."
ABCNews.com

Oct 14, 2023, 3:53 PM EDT

Demonstrators gather outside White House

Demonstrators in support of the Palestinian people have gathered in the rain outside the White House Saturday.

The demonstrators are calling for action, including a ceasefire from Israel, the opening of a humanitarian coordinator and unwavering support for Palestinians trapped in Gaza.

ABC News’ Em Nguyen reports on the demonstration in support of the Palestinian people.
2:30
Demonstrators gather outside White HouseABC News’ Em Nguyen reports on the demonstration in support of the Palestinian people.
ABCNews.com

Oct 14, 2023, 3:48 PM EDT

Flights bringing Floridians home from Israel to depart Saturday: DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters in Iowa Saturday that flights transporting Floridians home from Israel will leave Saturday and land throughout the day on Sunday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters in Iowa Saturday that flights transporting Floridians home from Israel will leave Saturday and land throughout the day on Sunday.
0:46
Flights bringing Floridians home from Israel to depart Saturday: DeSantisFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters in Iowa Saturday that flights transporting Floridians home from Israel will leave Saturday and land throughout the day on Sunday.
ABCNews.com

"We have a lot of Floridians there," DeSantis said Friday. "The federal government really wasn't doing what they needed to do get people out, so we just did an executive order yesterday. We’re going to be sending flights from Israel, back to Florida."

-ABC News' Will McDuffie and Hannah Demissie

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