At least 9 U.S. citizens killed in Israel-Hamas conflict

Nine U.S. citizens have died in the ongoing conflict between in Israel, U.S. authority have said on Monday, and an unknown of citizens remain missing.

“At this time, we can confirm the death of nine U.S. citizens. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected, and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” the spokesperson said in a statement. It added that the officials are continuing to stay in touch with their Israeli counterpart, especially the local authorities.

CNN’s Phil Mattingly was informed by State Department spokesperson Matt Miller on Monday that US authorities are in close contact with the Israeli government and the families of those affected by the attack.

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer said Americans are among the “scores” of hostages being held in Gaza. The outlet’s Dana Bash was told by Secretary of State Antony Blinked that the US officials are working overtime in order to verify the reports of missing and dead Americans.

Qatar has been in talks with the hostage situation that the terror group has been holding inside Gaza. The U.S. officials have been in contact with Qataris as they play a key mediating role with Hamas, as shared by a senior US official and another person familiar with the matter told CNN.