Several American citizens were killed in the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas, a US official confirmed on Sunday. The official did not provide further details, such as the exact number of Americans killed or their identities.
“We can confirm the deaths of several US citizens,” a spokesperson for the US National Security Council said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected.”
US President Joe Biden ordered the deployment of US ships and warplanes to Israel on Sunday, showing unwavering support for its ally in the face of escalating attacks by Hamas.
The Pentagon announced that it was sending the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its accompanying warships to the eastern Mediterranean, while also increasing fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.
The White House swiftly reaffirmed US support for Israel after the deadly attack from the Gaza Strip, pledging rock-solid solidarity and calling for restraint from other parties involved in the conflict. President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and promised additional assistance for the Israeli Defense Forces.
“The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation,” the White House stated.
President Biden fully supported the government and people of Israel in the face of an unprecedented and appalling assault by Hamas terrorists.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US is diligently working to verify reports of missing and deceased Americans following the attacks. He called on all leaders in the region to condemn these acts of terrorism.
Hamas accused the United States, a major arms supplier to Israel, of complicity in the aggression against their people by deploying the aircraft carrier.
The death toll from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has exceeded 1,100, with over 700 killed in Israel and at least 400 killed in Gaza.