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."

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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.

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Oct 08, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT

2 Israeli tourists gunned down in Egypt

Two Israeli tourists and their Egyptian guide were killed Sunday when a gunman opened fire on them and a group of travelers in Egypt, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The attack unfolded in Alexandria and was allegedly committed by a local resident, the Foreign Ministry said. The tour guide was an Egyptian, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The shooting left at least one other Israeli tourist injured, the Foreign Ministry said.

Israeli officials -- including the Israeli Embassy in Cairo, the Prime Minister's Office and the Israel Defense Forces -- are working with Egyptian authorities to return the slain Israeli citizens to Israel as soon as possible, the Foreign Ministry said.

-ABC News' Becky Perlow

Oct 08, 2023, 8:15 AM EDT

Death toll rises to at least 500 in Israel: Health Ministry

More than 500 people have been killed in Israel and another 2,000 injured as rocket attacks and fighting continued between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, the Israeli Health Ministry said Sunday.

Oct 08, 2023, 5:36 AM EDT

At least 30 Israeli police officers killed in fighting

At least 30 Israeli police officers have been killed in the fighting, mainly in Sderot, where Hamas gunmen took control of the police station.

Meanwhile, fighting is still ongoing in six places, including Sderot -- which sits just two miles from the border with Gaza -- even after the police headquarters standoff ended and a rocket injured four people on Sunday morning.

On Saturday, graphic video showed dozens of dead bodies, bullet ridden homes and vehicles following an assault by armed militants.

Israel has also opened a hotline for family members who can come forward to give DNA samples to help identify those who have died.

Oct 08, 2023, 12:06 AM EDT

Israel suspends supply of electricity, fuel and goods to Gaza Strip: Police

Early Sunday morning, Israel police said in a statement, "The first phase ends in these hours by the destruction of the majority of the enemy forces that penetrated our territory. At the same time we started the offensive formation and it will continue without reservation and without respite until the objectives are achieved."

Israeli police announced the cabinet decided the supply of electricity, fuel and goods to the Gaza Strip will be suspended.

"We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win," Israeli police said.

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