The news out of Israel since Hamas launched unprecedented vicious attacks early Saturday morning has been horrific. Latest reports place the Israeli death toll at more than 600, with thousands injured and dozens of people held hostage.
Now, there are reports that Americans are among those killed and held hostage. Israel's UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, told Will Cain on Fox & Friends Sunday that there are dozens of American citizens among those being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
Was just told by Israel’s Ambassador to the UN that there are dozens of American citizens among the hostages in Gaza.
— Will Cain (@willcain) October 8, 2023
Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson confirmed that this possibility was acknowledged by Secretary of State Antony Blinken:
Secretary of State Blinken tells NBC: There could be American citizens among the hostages kidnapped by Hamas and now being held in Gaza.
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) October 8, 2023
Blinken himself told CNN's Dana Bash that Americans may be among those killed and held hostage.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday the US is “working overtime” to verify reports of missing and dead Americans overseas after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel.
“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 told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”
As Cain rightly notes, if indeed Americans are among those killed and held hostage, that adds a new element to an already horrific situation.
I imagine many of these are dual citizens. I also imagine there are many American citizens among the now 600 dead.
— Will Cain (@willcain) October 8, 2023
This is a game changer.
The extent of United States involvement in the response obviously remains to be seen. For his part, Blinken reiterated the Biden administration's support of Israel.
It’s unclear what Israel’s full response will look like. An Israeli military spokesperson hinted that 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.
Blinken said an announcement on additional aid to Israel in response to the attack could be announced as soon as Sunday.
“We’re looking at specific additional requests that the Israelis have made – I think you’re likely to hear more about that later today,” Blinken said.
The top US diplomat added that 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.”
Speaking from the White House Saturday, Biden said his administration’s support of Israel’s security is “rock solid and unwavering.”
As this is a developing story, RedState will continue to provide updates. For additional coverage regarding the events unfolding in Israel and Gaza, see:
BREAKING: Hamas Fires 5,000 Rockets Into Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel Declares 'State of War'
US State Department and International Community Respond After Hamas Launches Terror Attack on Israel
Does the Vacant Speakers Chair Affect the Way the United States Responds to Attack on Israel?
WATCH: Israel Makes 'Roof Knock' Strike on Suspected Hamas-Occupied Building, Then Levels It
BREAKING: Egyptian Policeman Fires on Israeli Tourist Bus in Egypt, at Least Three Killed
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