The United States on Monday confirmed the death of nine Americans in Israel during the violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“At this time, we can confirm the deaths of nine U.S. citizens,” said a State Department statement released early Monday. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected.”
"We can confirm that there are unaccounted-for US citizens, and we are working with our Israeli partners to determine their whereabouts," he added.
The front page of the State Department’s website on Monday morning was headlined “Israel Under Attack” with a link to information. “The United States unequivocally condemns the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel,” the header said.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners and the local authorities,” the department’s statement said. “We are in touch with the families and providing all appropriate consular assistance.”
The death count after the invasion launched on Saturday is more than 800, according to Israeli authorities. Stories of Americans who were killed, wounded or abducted are just emerging.
Asked about American abductees, a U.S. embassy spokeswoman in Israel referred to remarks Sunday by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said the department was looking into the reports.
Separately, President Joe Biden has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and pledged U.S. support for Israel. Netanyahu told Biden on Sunday that Israel will launch a ground invasion of Gaza, saying “We have to go in,” according to Axios.
British citizens killed
More than 10 Britons are feared dead or missing in Israel, the BBC reported on Monday, citing an official source.
When asked about the number of British or dual British-Israeli nationals either dead or missing, or in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Cleverly told reporters:
"The nature of Israeli citizenship means that there are a significant number of dual British-Israeli nationals, many of whom will have made their permanent home in Israel, many of whom will be serving with the Israeli defence force.
"So it's not possible for us to give numbers and I do not intend to speculate."
Islamist group Hamas killed 700 Israelis and abducted dozens more in a surprise attack on Saturday.
A London-born man who was serving in the Israeli army died on Saturday on the Gaza border, his family said, and another British man was missing, Israel's embassy in London said on Sunday.
Two French nationals died in attacks in Israel, child may be kidnapped
The French foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday that two French nationals have died during attacks on Israel since Saturday and another 14 people are missing.
It added it is likely that some of those who are missing might have been kidnapped, including a child of 12 years old.