Topline
U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday that 11 American citizens were killed during the attacks on Israel by Hamas, and additional Americans are “likely” among the hostages Hamas has taken.
Key Facts
More Americans remain “unaccounted for” and the government is working with Israeli officials to learn more about their wellbeing and whereabouts, Biden said in a statement.
Biden said many of the American citizens that were killed had “made a second home in Israel” and described their deaths as “heart wrenching.”
Additionally, the White House believes it is likely American citizens are among the scores of civilians that Hamas has taken hostage, but it is still working to confirm.
Biden said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday and told him that the U.S. “will continue to make sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and its people.”
Biden also said that he’s ordered his team to assist Israeli officials in this crisis including by sharing intelligence and deploying government experts.
Key Background
On Saturday, Hamas fighters entered southern Israel from Gaza and proceeded to kill and take hostage scores of civilians while rockets were launched into the country, multiple news organizations on the ground reported. Israel responded by bombing Gaza from the air, and Israel’s Defense Minister said Monday that Israel will cut off all supplies to the Gaza Strip as part of a “full siege” on the Palestinian territory, adding there will be “no power, no food, no gas.” At least 1200 have been reported dead. Biden and the White House has strongly condemned the attacks, describing the attack as an “appalling assault” and saying, “My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering” in a statement Saturday.
Further Reading
Hamas Takes Israeli Soldiers, Civilians As Prisoners Of War (Forbes)
At Least 9 Americans Killed In Hamas Attack On Israel—Total Deaths Eclipse 1,200 (Forbes)
‘No Electricity, No Food, No Fuel’: Israel Orders ‘Complete Siege’ On Gaza Strip (Forbes)
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