Nine U.S. citizens have been killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a U.S. National Security Council spokesperson said Monday.
“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,” the spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
The U.S. department said an undetermined number of American citizens remain missing and unaccounted for. On Sunday, an official said that number was fluid and had ranged from between six to 12.
The attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas has seen more than 700 people killed in Israel. Israeli security officials said up to over 200 people were believed to have been killed at a music festival early Saturday when militants swept into the concert site three miles from the Gaza border.
Israel formally declared war on Sunday, portending greater fighting ahead and a possible ground assault into Gaza.
The spokesperson said U.S. authorities are working to establish how many Americans have been taken hostage in the conflict.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that the U.S. is “working overtime” to verify reports of missing and dead Americans. Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer said Americans are among the “scores” of hostages being held in Gaza.
What it means:
The U.S. is a close ally of Israel, and it has provided billions of dollars in military aid to the country. However, the U.S. has also been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, and it has urged both sides to de-escalate the conflict.
The death of nine Americans could put pressure on the U.S. to take a more active role in mediating the conflict.
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