By MATTHEW LEE and AAMER MADHANI
WASHINGTON — The State Department has confirmed that the number of U.S. citizens killed in the Israel-Hamas war has now risen to 22, with 17 still unaccounted for. This marks an increase from the previous death toll of 14.
In addition to the rising death toll, it has been revealed that U.S. citizens are among the estimated 150 hostages taken by Hamas militants during their recent assault on Israel. President Joe Biden addressed this shocking development on Tuesday. The war has already claimed a total of 2,200 lives on both sides.
The attack has raised concerns about the involvement of Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas. However, the U.S. government has gathered intelligence suggesting that senior Iranian officials were caught off guard by the attack. As a result, the White House has publicly stated that there is currently no evidence of direct Iranian involvement in the planning or execution of the assault.
President Biden, who will be meeting with Jewish leaders today, has emphasized the connection between the Hamas attacks and the long history of antisemitism and violence endured by the Jewish people worldwide.
“This attack has brought forth the painful memories and scars left by centuries of antisemitism and genocide against the Jewish people,” said Biden during a press conference. He added, “We must be unequivocal: Terrorism is unjustifiable, and the type of terrorism we have witnessed in this case is beyond comprehension.”
Biden also revealed that he and Vice President Kamala Harris have spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on multiple occasions since the attack on Saturday. He reaffirmed the United States’ support for Israel and stated that efforts to address the situation will continue throughout the day and beyond.
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