WASHINGTON — At least 22 U.S. citizens have died in Israel’s conflict with Hamas, a US 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. 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.
The news comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that some Americans were killed in the terrorist attack but the U.S. was working on confirming the exact number.
Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer said Americans are among the “scores” of hostages taken by Hamas forces.
Hamas militants fired missiles from Gaza into Israel on Saturday. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the death toll reached 400 as of this writing and at least 1,610 were injured Saturday in retaliatory attacks from Israel.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
