Lawmakers pledge to evacuate their constituents from Israel following the assaults initiated by the Hamas extremist group.
In a surprising turn of events, Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched an attack on Israel on Saturday, resulting in a death toll of at least 600 in Israel and 300 in Gaza. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) revealed on Sunday that he remains in contact with constituents currently in Israel amidst the ongoing attacks.
“We have been in touch with numerous constituents currently in Israel. Due to their safety and security, I won’t divulge specifics. However, we are collaborating with both them and the consulate to ensure their swift return,” he stated during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
“Given the situation on the ground, our priority is to facilitate the safe passage of all residents in the 17th District back home as quickly as possible,” he added.
Rep. Bryon Donalds (R-Fla.) also noted that he received notifications from 53 constituents on Sunday who expressed panic and are desperately trying to find a way to return to the United States.
“If you haven’t been to Southern Israel near the Gaza border or Gaza City, let me tell you, it’s incredibly easy for them to infiltrate that border. We must provide all possible assistance to Israel in ensuring the safe return of Americans,” Donalds emphasized during an interview on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures.”
“And I want to be clear to Hamas. Lay a finger on an American and face the consequences. That’s where I stand. That’s what the President of the United States should unequivocally endorse right now. We need to bring those individuals back and fully support Israel to make it happen,” he concluded.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Sunday that U.S. authorities have received reports of several American casualties in Israel and are working to verify these claims. Moreover, it has been reported that Hamas has taken Israeli citizens, including women and children, as hostages.
“Yes, we have received reports of multiple American deaths,” Blinken confirmed during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash when asked about American casualties or abductions in Israel.
“We are working tirelessly to confirm these reports. Additionally, there are reports of missing Americans, and we are actively seeking to verify them as well,” he added.
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) was also present in Jerusalem on Saturday when Hamas initiated their initial attacks. His office confirmed on Sunday that the senator and his staff have safely left Israel after taking shelter.
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