The United States is investigating reports that Americans were killed or captured in Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Americans are among the “scores” of hostages currently being held by the Islamic terror group Hamas after its unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer said during an Oct. 8 appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” program.
On Oct. 7, Iran-linked militants in the Gaza Strip launched a surprise attack on Israel, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow revenge, declaring war on the Islamic militant group. More than 600 people in Israel have died since the attack, Mr. Dermer said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department is working to investigate reports that Americans were among those killed in the attack, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the program.
He told CNN anchor Dana Bash that the State Department is aware of the reports and said the government is “working overtime” to corroborate those claims.
“Yes, we have reports that several Americans were killed,” Mr. Blinken said. “We’re working overtime to verify that.”
Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel represents the largest foreign attack on the state in decades.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on Oct. 8 about the situation in Israel, according to a statement by the White House. Following the briefing, President Biden “directed additional support for Israel in the face of this unprecedented terrorist assault by Hamas.”
Mr. Blinken also suggested that the United States will likely announce financial and military assistance in the near future.
“We’re looking at specific additional requests that the Israelis have made—I think you’re likely to hear more about that later today,” he said.
US Lawmakers Condemn Attack
Following the attack, U.S. lawmakers were quick to condemn the aggression and to declare the United States’ continued support for Israel.
“The United States must unequivocally stand with our ally Israel and their right to defend themselves from terrorism,” said Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who last week was ousted as speaker of the House of Representatives.
By Joseph Lord
