At Least 4 Americans Killed in Hamas Sneak Attack on Israel, US Official Says

At least four Americans were reportedly killed in the surprise Hamas attacks, according to preliminary reports.

Associated Press reporter Marc Levy posted the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, citing a U.S. official, who said that preliminary reports also indicate that seven Americans are believed to be missing. 

The unidentified U.S. official, who discussed initial reports received by the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, said that those figures could change as a fuller report is compiled. Most of those Americans are dual U.S.-Israeli citizens.

The militant group Hamas launched thousands of rockets towards Israel Saturday morning and entered Israeli territory through land, air, and sea, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.

Israel's ambassador to the U.N. said on Fox News Sunday morning that "dozens" of Americans are being held hostage. Ron Dermer, Israeli minister of strategic affairs, also confirmed that U.S. citizens were among those taken hostage.

“We have a lot of dual citizens in Israel. I suspect there are several, but we’re still trying to sort through all of this information after this horrific surprise attack and we’ll make sure to put that information out so that the loved ones of these people who were killed and who are held hostage, they know as quickly as possible,” Dermer told CNN’s “State of the Union.’’

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told "State of the Union" that the U.S. is yet to confirm whether or not multiple Americans are missing or have been killed in the ongoing violence.

At least one family with American ties confirmed the death of a relative. The daughter and son-in-law of retired Brandeis professor Ilan Troen were killed inside their house, according to NPR.

As of Sunday afternoon, Over 700 Israelis have been killed, and thousands more have been injured in Gaza, according to Israeli officials, according to Israeli officials. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry said that 370 Palestinians were killed and 2,200 people wounded in Gaza since Saturday, according to CNN.

Update 10/8/2023, 3:20 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.