Americans amongst those killed in Hamas’ attack on Israel

Foreign nationals, including Americans, amongst victims of Hamas’ attacks. Many have been reported killed, missing, or captured. It is currently unclear exactly how many American hostages there are

UPDATE: Brian Krassenstein reported at 7:08am October 12th, 2023, that the American death toll has now reached 22. The Americans currently missing in Israel have now at 17.

President Biden made additional remarks condemning Hamas and touching on the horrific nature of the violence endured by Israeli civilians. In this speech, he confirmed that 14 Americans have been killed so far, and at least 20 more are missing.

It’s been reported that roughly 100 hostages were captured. American, British, French, German, Nepali, and Thai nationals are reportedly amongst those that have been taken.

According to an Axios report, those who have been captured are being held in Gaza, spread out between different hideouts and tunnels.

In the White House State Dining Room, President Biden commented that the U.S. military would be helping Israeli forces in the planning and intelligence collection for efforts to rescue hostages.

The Biden administration announced Tuesday that the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to "deter any actor" looking to escalate or widen the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It was also reported that the first shipment of armaments sent by the US had arrived on Tuesday.

It is currently unclear how the Biden Administration plans to rescue the captured Americans or if any other action will be taken besides the military aid the Admin has already provided.

Responses by various Nations and International Organizations

On October 9th, Israel called up 300,000 army reservists to fight in the war with Hamas. Israel has declared war against Hamas. Israel has been pummeling the Gaza Strip with missiles following the siege by Hamas.

As of October 10th, the Health Ministry in Gaza says that more than 680 people in their territory have been killed in Israeli strikes. It was also reported that Israel had eased their gun laws to arm “as many citizens as possible” following the attacks.

According to a report by the AP:

Israel increased airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and sealed off the Palestinian territory from food, fuel, and other supplies in retaliation for a deadly incursion by Hamas militants, as the toll rose to nearly 1,600 dead on both sides.

The death toll on both sides, Israelis and Palestinians, has reached around 1,400, including 73 soldiers. Hamas threatens to kill one Israeli civilian captive for every attack on civilians in Gaza, while Israel considers a ground assault into the Gaza Strip.

In light of this, Foreign and American leaders have called for different retaliatory responses to the move by Hamas. The US, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK vowed to help Israel defend itself.

Lindsey Graham called on the US to “blow up Iran’s oil refineries if hostages are harmed.”

Initially, the European Union announced that it was suspending development aid to Palestinians but later reversed course. They clarified that they would enforce its strict rules to ensure the funds do not reach terrorists, seeking to differentiate between Hamas and the Palestinian people.

France and Spain also oppose suspending aid to Palestinian territories. However, Germany and Austria have temporarily suspended aid to the Palestinians.

On October 10th, the UN prohibited the “total siege of Gaza” under international law.

The UN has also reported widespread destruction in Gaza, including the razing of hundreds of housing units and damage to water and sanitation sites. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, seeking refuge in schools run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.