At least 22 Americans killed in Israel, others remain unaccounted for

Update: The death toll of Americans in Israel climbs to 22, with others still reported missing, according to President Biden.

Original Report:

A U.S. State Department spokesman stated that at least nine American citizens lost their lives in the attacks in Israel over the weekend. During a CNN interview, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller affirmed this toll.

He said, “I can confirm that nine Americans unfortunately have lost their lives as a result of these horrific attacks in the region.”

The Biden administration officials informed Congress that the number may increase in the days ahead. Additionally, they are actively probing unverified accounts of American citizens possibly being held captive by Hamas.

During a prior discussion about the conflict, key figures from pertinent House committees and party leaders, such as Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-North Carolina, who is serving as the temporary House speaker, were involved, according to sources briefed on the matter.

Senate leaders were anticipated to receive a comparable briefing. Israeli authorities have reported at least 1,100 casualties and over 2,000 injuries in Israel following rocket strikes by Hamas militants from Gaza.

Additionally, Palestinian officials have stated that there have been hundreds more casualties in Gaza due to retaliatory airstrikes by Israeli jet fighters.

This includes around 700 fatalities in Israel, a significant toll considering recent conflicts, and nearly 500 in Gaza, an area home to 2.3 million Palestinians, bordering Israel and Egypt.