Array
The death toll in the Israeli-Palestinian war has already surpassed 1,200, with about 700 of those killed being Israelis. This morning US authorities revealed that nine US citizens are known to have died in the attack.
“At this time, we can confirm the death of nine U.S. citizens. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected, and wish those injured a speedy recovery. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners, particularly the local authorities,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
There were reports yesterday that Americans were among those taken hostage by Hamas as well.
American have been captured and are being held hostage by Hamas amid the militant group’s attack on Israel that began Saturday, two Israeli ambassadors said, although the number of American hostages remains unconfirmed.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan said that “dozens” of Americans are being held in Gaza amid a Hamas attack. “I know that there are dozens — dozens, OK? — of Israelis holding American citizenship who are being held hostage in Gaza,” Erdan told Fox News, according to Haaretz. “There are many Israelis who have American citizenship, we don’t have all the names yet. We’re still working to get the names of all the missing people. But dozens are Americans.”
Israel’s ambassador to the US also said yesterday that there were hostages with US citizenship but he didn’t know how many.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. @AmbHerzog confirms there are Americans among the hostages taken by Hamas, but adds, “I don’t have the details,” when asked how many Americans are being held hostage. pic.twitter.com/S4Q54qn1hl
Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) October 8, 2023
Does the fact that Sec. Blinken didn’t say anything about hostages today mean that, contrary to those reports yesterday, there aren’t any US hostages? Or does it mean the State Department hasn’t confirmed that yet? We’ll have to wait and see on that.
As Jazz pointed out this morning, Israel has announced a siege of Gaza, meaning no food, fuel or electricity for the near future.
