At least 22 Americans killed in Hamas attack on Israel
Israel says more than 1,200 people killed since attacks from Gaza started
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least 22 American civilians have been killed in the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, up from 14, the State Department says.
“At this time, we can confirm the deaths of at least 22 US citizens. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected,” the State Department said in a statement on Wednesday.
Joe Biden addressed the deaths of Americans in the bloody conflict from the State Dining Room of the White House on Tuesday where he condemned the “unadulterated evil” unleashed by Hamas.
Mr Biden confirmed that his administration now knew that Americans were among the hostages, after saying on Monday it was believed to be “likely.”
Israel says that more than 1,200 people were killed and at least 2,700 injured when Hamas launched a surprise attack by air, sea and land on the country from Gaza on 7 October.
Israel-Hamas war live: ‘Babies killed’ in Hamas attacks as bodies found in village near Gaza
‘Kfar Aza smells of death’: Inside the Israeli border village where ‘babies were slaughtered’ in Hamas attack
‘This is terrorism’: Biden decries ‘pure, unadulterated evil’ of Hamas attacks and says US stands with Israel
At least 1,100 Palestinians, including 326 children, have been killed since the attacks began on Saturday, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. An additional 5,539 have been wounded.
In addition, around 150 civilians and soldiers have been taken hostage and are believed to have been removed from Israel and forced back to Gaza.
“As President, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” he said.
Mr Biden also urged the country to “come together” as the violence in the Middle East deepens.
“This is a moment for the United States to come together to grieve with those who are mourning,” Mr Biden said during his 10-minute speech.
“Let’s be real clear, there is no place for hate in America,” he adds. “Not against Jews, not against Muslims. Not against anybody. We reject this terrorism.”
And he added: “Hamas offers nothing but terror and bloodshed with no regard for who pays the price.”
“Like every nation in the world, Israel has the right to respond, indeed, has the duty to respond, to these vicious attacks.”
On Wednesday the White House said that 17 Americans in Israel were still unaccounted for, but it is unclear if they are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
“We know that a number of those Americans are being held hostage now by Hamas,” said John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council.
“We have to steel ourselves for the very distinct possibility that these numbers will keep increasing.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments