WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Biden administration is investigating reports that Americans are among the at least 600 people killed and the 100 or so abducted in the Hamas invasion of Israel.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking on Sunday news shows, said the United States had not confirmed any numbers yet but was pursuing reports of Americans among the casualties.
“So we have reports that several Americans may be among the dead we are very actively working to verify those reports,” Blinken told NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “Similarly, we’ve seen reports about hostages and there again, we’re very actively trying to verify them and nail that down.”
Officials at the U.S. embassy in Israel and the Israeli embassy in Washington said they did not yet have any further information.
At least one American has appeared among appeals for information about young adults missing after Hamas attacked an overnight outdoors party at Kibbutz Reim: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose father, Jon Polin, is posting on WhatsApp groups, seeking information about his son’s whereabouts. Attendees of the party, which was among the first targets in the surprise onslaught, are among the dead and abducted.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
