Hamas Attack Claims Lives of Nine Americans in Israel

Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Americans. The US expressed its condolences to the victims and their families, but the identities of those killed have not been released. Some Americans are still unaccounted for, and there are concerns that they may have been taken hostage. The US is collaborating with Israeli authorities to locate them. The attack, which took place on Saturday, has left over 700 people dead and 100 kidnapped, according to Israel. Retaliatory Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in nearly 500 deaths. Among the missing is Hersh Golberg-Polin, an American-Israeli who was at a music festival that was attacked by militants. His parents received messages from him expressing love and apology. Other American victims include Deborah Matias and her husband, who were killed while defending their son. Hannah Katsman's son, Hayim Katsman, was also killed at his kibbutz near the Gaza border. The deaths of Vivian Silver, a Canadian-Israeli peace activist, and Alexandre Look, a Canadian citizen, have also been confirmed. Several British citizens are feared dead or missing. The Israel Defense Forces have regained control of Gaza's border communities and killed several militants. Hamas claims that four Israelis taken hostage during the attack were killed in subsequent air strikes. Israel's defense minister has ordered a complete siege of Gaza, including cutting off its power, fuel, and food supplies. The possibility of a ground operation is being considered, causing concern among the two million Palestinians living in Gaza.