2023-10-08 18:55:54
Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Michael Herzog, noted that American citizens are among those kidnapped in Israel by Palestinian Hamas fighters.
He made the statement in the middle of an interview on CBS, when he was asked if there were Americans among the civilians and soldiers kidnapped in southern Israel by the Hamas group: “I understand that there are, but I don’t have any details.” was his response.
The attacks are the harshest that have been recorded in the last 50 years. (Photo by Jaafar ASHTIYEH / AFP) | Photo: AFP or licensors
However, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, clarified in different local media outlets that his country is verifying information that indicates that there are Americans among the dead and hostages, without being in a position to confirm them.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, also confirmed that there are Americans among the “dozens” of hostages held in Gaza, but did not dare to give a specific number.
The United States is “working overtime to verify reports of missing and dead Americans abroad following Hamas launched its unprecedented attack,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
Likewise, President Joe Biden ordered “additional support” to Israel following the attack by Palestinian Hamas militias, the White House reported on Sunday, without giving details.
Images from the Gaza Strip show the intensification of the conflict (Photo by Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) | Photo: 2023 Anadolu Agency
“The president ordered additional support to Israel in the face of this unprecedented terrorist attack by Hamas,” the White House said in a statement.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed by national security officials regarding the situation in Israel early today and will continue to receive updates, the White House said.
President Biden pledged in a statement “solid and unwavering support for Israel, Washington’s key ally in the Middle East,” following surprise attacks by Hamas that killed more than 600 people on the Israeli side.
]]The Pentagon announced that the United States began delivering additional ammunition to Israel and the US military is strengthening its military presence in the Middle East.
“The United States government will quickly provide the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including ammunition,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
US sends aircraft carrier strike group
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reported that a US aircraft carrier strike group is heading to the eastern Mediterranean.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was sailing with the Italian Navy earlier this week, according to the ship’s social media, putting it close to Israel. The aircraft carrier will be accompanied by guided missile destroyers and guided missile cruisers.
The war between Israel and Gaza has had a new escalation that has unleashed an exchange of gunfire and missiles due to the Hamas offensive. | Photo: 2023 Anadolu Agency
The strike group’s presence is intended to be a deterrent to Hezbollah in Lebanon and other militant groups, officials said, following President Joe Biden’s warning Saturday that “this is not a time for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks.” to seek advantage.”
The US is also taking steps to strengthen fighter squadrons in the region, including the F-35, F-15, F-16 and A-10
The United States deployed several of these aircraft to the Middle East in recent months following increased aggression by Iranian forces throughout the region, including in Syria and the Gulf of Oman.
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