In a series of powerful statements, President Joe Biden has condemned the recent attack by Hamas militants on Israel as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Speaking to Jewish leaders gathered at the White House, Biden called the attack a "campaign of pure cruelty" against the Jewish people, stating that there is no justification for terrorism. The number of U.S. citizens killed in the fighting has risen to at least 22, with 17 more Americans remaining unaccounted for. The State Department has confirmed that a handful of U.S. citizens are among the estimated 150 hostages captured by Hamas militants during their assault on Israel.

In response to the crisis, the U.S. has shown strong support for Israel. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has traveled to Israel for meetings, the U.S. military has moved a second aircraft carrier toward the Mediterranean Sea, and the administration is exploring options for potential U.S.-assisted evacuations. The attack has raised questions about the role of Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas, but U.S. officials have stated that they have not yet seen evidence of direct Iranian involvement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has joined with a top political rival to create a war-time Cabinet in Israel, demonstrating a degree of unity as the government faces pressure to topple Hamas.

Israel has continued its destructive airstrikes in Gaza, and a potential ground offensive could result in a large number of casualties. The situation in Gaza is dire, with the enclave's only power plant running out of fuel, leaving the territory without electricity. Conditions are deteriorating rapidly as neighborhoods are reduced to rubble and residents struggle to find shelter. As the conflict escalates, foreign governments are working to ensure the safety of their citizens in Israel. The U.S. has seen an increase in the number of American citizens killed in the fighting, while other countries, including Russia, France, and Italy, have reported deaths and missing citizens.

The international community has expressed strong support for Israel's right to defend itself, with Britain's King Charles III condemning the "barbaric acts of terrorism" and Germany vowing to stand unequivocally on the side of Israel. The war between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of over 2,200 people on both sides and is expected to escalate further. The situation has shone a light on the deep-rooted tensions and violence endured by Jews around the world, with President Biden stating that the attack brings to the surface the painful memories and scars left by millennia of antisemitism and genocide. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel and combating antisemitism at every turn.