President Joe Biden expressed outrage as news broke that at least 11 Americans lost their lives in the recent wave of violence that has engulfed Israel. The conflict was sparked when Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack, igniting a complex and devastating series of events.
In a strongly-worded statement, President Biden condemned the acts of terrorism, describing the deaths as “heart-wrenching” and emphasizing the United States’ unwavering support for Israel.
Authorities suspect that the Hamas militant group is holding American citizens hostage, and the President confirmed that the U.S. is collaborating with Israel in an effort to address the hostage crisis.
This tragedy hits close to home for many American families, as the ties between Israel and the United States run deep. President Biden acknowledged the personal pain suffered by those affected and vowed to stand with them during this difficult time.
The names of the deceased Americans have not yet been released, leaving it uncertain whether any of them hailed from New York City, which boasts a significant Jewish population of roughly 1.6 million.
Given the tense situation, security has been heightened at synagogues across New York City to ensure the safety of its Jewish community.
As a result of the escalating violence, major U.S. airlines have cancelled flight routes to and from Israel, adding to the list of disruptions caused by the conflict.
Rep. Grace Meng’s office reported that roughly 50 New York residents are seeking assistance to return from Israel.
The State Department is actively liaising with the families of the deceased Americans to provide support and guidance during this challenging time.
The magnitude of the conflict is overwhelming, with over 1,300 individuals reported dead in the ongoing clashes. The situation intensified as Israel launched a retaliatory offensive targeting the blockaded Gaza Strip, resulting in a sharp rise in casualties.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the death toll in Israel has reached approximately 700, while the Palestinian Health Ministry reported a total of 687 casualties on the Palestinian side as of Monday.
