The National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, has stated that he anticipates the number of Americans killed in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel to increase.
The White House has confirmed 14 American fatalities and reports 20 U.S. citizens as unaccounted for. An updated count of Americans dead and missing will be released later.
Kirby emphasized that the White House’s current focus is on providing military support to Israel, considered a strong ally in the Middle East. There was no direct address of calls for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The conflict has seen 1,200 people killed, with 14 Americans among the casualties.
As Israel conducts retaliatory strikes against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the lives of some 2 million Palestinians are at risk. Efforts are being made, in collaboration with Egypt and other partners, to ensure safe ground routes out of Gaza.
The United States also aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza during these difficult times.
