At least nine Americans were killed over the weekend during the fighting in Israel (Picture: REUTERS)
At least nine Americans have been killed in the ongoing conflict in Israel, the US has confirmed.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council (NSC) confirmed the deaths after the surprise attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas over the weekend.
Approximately 1,100 people have been killed in the fighting so far, with Israel reporting about 700 casualties and 436 reported in Gaza.
‘At this time, we can confirm the death of nine US citizens,’ said Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the NSC. ‘We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected, and wish those injured a speedy recovery. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners, particularly the local authorities.’
Israelis evacuate from the site of a rocket attack in Ashkelon (Picture: AP)
Rescuers and security forces deploy in Sderot, southern Israel (Picture: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
The announcement comes only hours after the Israeli Defense Ministry ordered a ‘complete siege’ of the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory governed by Hamas.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN that his department was ‘working overtime to verify’ reports of Americans killed or missing in the violence.
Meanwhile, the State Department has asked remaining US citizens in Israel and Palestine to remain on alert due to the ‘unpredictable’ situation.
‘US citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire, often take place without warning,’ the State Department said.
A paramedic rescues a baby girl after an Israeli air strike in Gaza (Picture: Saher Alghorra/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
Palestinians search for survivors after an air strike in Jabalia (Picture: Mohammed ABED / AFP)
It also advised US citizens in Gaza that they can safely leave through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt, which remains open at this time.
Simultaneously, the BBC reported that more than 10 British citizens are feared dead or missing, citing official sources.
The UK Foreign Office has not commented on report.
At least one UK citizen killed in the fighting has been identified. Nathaniel Young, a 20-year-old corporal in the Israeli Defense Force, was killed in the fighting, his family confirmed.
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