The White House confirmed this Monday that nine American citizens were killed in Israel following Saturday’s surprise and massive attack by Hamas and the militants’ incursion into Israeli territory.
As of this Monday, clashes have claimed lives 700 in Israel and at least 560 Palestinians. Thousands have been injured.
Hamas is also in possession of a group of people abducted during an incursion into Israel, believed to include American citizens.
In a statement released by the White House, “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and are in contact with our Israeli partners, particularly local authorities,” the statement said.
A State Department spokesman said the government was not aware of any missing US citizens in the area of the attacks and was working with Israeli authorities to locate them.
President Joe Bien’s government has expressed its solidarity with Israel and announced on Saturday that it would send personnel and military exercises to the conflict zone.
Mexico, France, Thailand, Nepal, England and Germany also disappeared during the Hamas attack on Israel.
On vacation in Israel, he was caught in the middle of a Hamas attack: Mexican recounts the drama he experienced