President Joe Biden has stated that at least 11 United States citizens had lost their lives during the attacks on Israel, with additional Americans “likely” among the hostages taken by Hamas.

The President disclosed this to the nation on Monday, revealing grim news about the escalating conflict between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel.

Biden said, “Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed — many of whom made a second home in Israel.”

He described their deaths as “heart-wrenching”.

Hamas, during its surprise attack on Israel over the weekend, reportedly abducted approximately 150 hostages in southern Israel from Gaza.

They have since issued a chilling threat, warning that it would kill the hostages if Israel continued its retaliatory air strikes on Gaza residents without warning.

In response to this threat, Israel imposed a total siege on the Gaza Strip, even cutting off the water supply, which sparked concerns from the United Nations about a worsening humanitarian crisis.

President Biden stated that Washington was actively engaged with Israel, its key ally, in efforts to recover the hostages.

He said, “I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts.”

As the conflict escalates, Israel has reported a death toll of 800, while Gaza has seen the loss of 687 lives due to the withering barrage of strikes.

The United States has shown its support by sending its largest aircraft carrier and five other warships closer to Israel, as well as bolstering fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

The U.S. government is in constant communication with Israeli counterparts regarding the situation of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

In the midst of these developments, the United States has issued a warning to other parties not to become involved, as fears of a regional conflagration intensify.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been advised against opening a second front against Israel as it confronts Hamas.

President Biden also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Israel’s defense, saying, “We will continue to make sure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and its people.”