WASHINGTON — Several Americans could be among dead or held hostage by Hamas fighters in Israel. US Secretary of State says verification of such reports have started.
“We have reports that several Americans were killed. We’re working overtime to verify that. At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans and there again, we’re working to verify those reports,” said Blinken.
“Americans are among the “scores” of hostages being held in Gaza,” said Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer later Sunday.
Gaza militants made a resounding attack on Saturday October 7 in Israel killing hundreds of Israelis, dozens injured and mass destruction of important amenities. The ‘Large Scale Surprise Attack’ Has prompted promises of redistribution from the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The PM has vowed to conduct a lethal volley of strikes. The retaliatory attacks could be destructive.
It is still not apparent how the Israeli’s full response could be. “Israel may try to take full control of Gaza for the first time since 2005, and more than 20 communities near Gaza are being evacuated,” hinted an Israeli military spokesperson.
Blinken indicated that an announcement on extra aid to Israel could be made anytime. The US Secretary of State assured Israel of any assistance in response to the attack.
“We’re looking at specific additional requests that the Israelis have made – I think you’re likely to hear more about that later today,” said Blinken.
“President Joe Biden’s direction was to make sure that we’re providing Israel everything it needs in this moment to deal with the attacks from Hamas,” added the US top diplomat.
While making an national address from White House on the issue of Israel, President Biden noted that his administration is fully committed to supporting Israel deal with terrorists. He said that his administration aid of Israel security is “rock solid and unwavering.”
“When I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu this morning, I told him the United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop,” he said.
“This is a massive terrorist attack on Israeli civilians, [with] indiscriminate firing of rockets against civilians — thousands of rockets — men and women and children dragged across the border into into Gaza,” he noted.
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
