The Israeli military announced today an increase in the number of people reportedly held captive in Gaza by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorists, with the count now standing at 199, marking a rise from earlier estimates.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, addressed the press, confirming that the families of the hostages had been duly informed. Details about whether this figure encompasses foreign nationals and the party responsible were not disclosed, but it is widely believed that Hamas, the terror organization that penetrated southern Israel over a week ago, is primarily accountable for these captives.
This tally of nearly 200 people held against their will, surpassing the prior estimate of 150, encompasses a diverse group, including children and the elderly. Furthermore, there is reason to suspect that some of these captives are American citizens.
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, previously informed journalists that there was a “very small” contingent of Americans thought to be held as hostages, but he lacked concrete evidence regarding their well-being and couldn’t offer any specific information regarding their location or condition.
On another grim note, the State Department confirmed the loss of 30 American citizens in the ongoing conflict, and it has received information about 13 missing people, with officials maintaining contact with their respective families. As a result of these troubling developments, the State Department has issued advisories cautioning Americans against traveling to Gaza, while urging a reconsideration of travel plans to Israel and the West Bank.
{Matzav.com Israel}
