U.S. citizens among dozens of hostages held in Gaza
Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer told CNN on Sunday that there are "dozens" of hostages being held in Gaza, including several American citizens. Dermer declined to estimate the number of Americans being held.
Meanwhile, BBC News reported that U.S. President Joe Biden has "directed additional support" to Israel, according to a statement from the White House.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed by the national security team on Sunday about the fighting in Israel. "White House officials will remain in close contact with our Israeli partners," the statement said. "National security teams are engaged with Israelis and their counterparts across the region," the White House statement added.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN in an interview that the United States is "working around the clock" to verify information about missing and dead American citizens abroad after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
