Four Americans Killed in Attacks Near Gaza Border, Death Toll Expected to Rise
Washington, CNN — Four Americans have been killed in the recent attacks near the Gaza border in Israel, according to sources familiar with a Sunday briefing to key House committees. The death toll is expected to rise as the situation unfolds.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the reports earlier on Sunday, stating that the US was “working overtime” to verify the missing and dead Americans. The attacks, carried out by Hamas, have been described as unprecedented.
“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,” Blinken stated in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”
CNN reported earlier on Sunday that at least three Americans were killed, according to an internal US government memo. The memo also mentioned that the State Department is aware of additional Americans who have not been accounted for.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem has updated its contingency planning for potential evacuation by land or air, as tensions escalate. On Saturday, the embassy issued a “shelter in place” order for its personnel.
Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer also confirmed on Sunday that Americans are among the “scores” of hostages being held in Gaza.
The large-scale surprise attack by Gaza militants on Saturday has resulted in hundreds of Israeli casualties and has prompted vows of retribution from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who authorized retaliatory airstrikes against Hamas targets.
It remains unclear what Israel’s full response will look like. An Israeli military spokesperson hinted that Israel may attempt to take full control of Gaza, something that hasn’t happened since 2005. Over 20 communities near the Gaza border are being evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The top US diplomat, Blinken, added that President Joe Biden has directed the administration to provide Israel with everything it needs to deal with the attacks from Hamas.
On Saturday, Biden reassured Israel of the US’s unwavering support for its security. In a phone call with Netanyahu, he confirmed that assistance was “on its way,” with additional aid forthcoming.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that a US carrier strike group was heading to the eastern Mediterranean Sea as a “deterrence posture.” He also stated that the US would be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources.
The Biden administration faces a complicated diplomatic situation unlike any previous conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Republican presidential candidates have criticized the administration, with former President Donald Trump accusing Biden of “betraying Israel” by unfreezing Iranian funds. Blinken reiterated on Sunday that no money has been spent from the unfrozen funds, emphasizing that any claims suggesting otherwise are either misinformed or deliberate misinformation.
The situation in Israel and Gaza continues to evolve rapidly. This story will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.