Blinken says US working to verify reports of several Americans killed in Israel

WASHIGTON: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Sunday that the United States is diligently working to confirm reports of missing and deceased American citizens in Israel following a unprecedented attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“We have reports that several Americans were killed. We’re working overtime to verify that. At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans, and there again, we’re working to verify those reports,” Blinken told CNN.

The large-scale surprise assault launched by Gaza-based militants against Israel on Saturday has resulted in the death of more than 600 Israelis, prompting strong statements of retaliation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a series of lethal Israeli airstrikes in response.

According to Israeli authorities, more than 100 people have been kidnapped, and over 2,000 injured after the Hamas launched the attack.

The full extent of Israel’s response remains uncertain, with hints from an Israeli military spokesperson that Israel may seek to take complete control of Gaza for the first time since 2005. Over 20 communities near Gaza are currently undergoing evacuation.

Blinken hinted at the possibility of announcing additional aid to Israel in response to the attack as early as Sunday. “We’re looking at specific additional requests that the Israelis have made – I think you’re likely to hear more about that later today,” he remarked.

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The top U.S. diplomat emphasized that President Joe Biden’s directive was to “ensure that we’re providing Israel everything it needs in this moment to deal with the attacks from Hamas.”

President Biden, speaking from the White House on Saturday, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for Israel’s security. He emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.

Nevertheless, the president and his top aides are grappling with a complex diplomatic situation unlike any previous Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Republican presidential candidates have criticized the Biden administration, with former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the GOP nomination, citing the administration’s unfreezing of Iranian funds as evidence of a perceived betrayal of Israel.

Blinken, however, reiterated on Sunday that no funds from the unfrozen accounts intended for humanitarian purposes have been spent. “So people are either misinformed or they’re misinforming,” he stated. “And either way, it’s wrong.”

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