In a devastating update, the US state department has confirmed that at least 22 American citizens have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The White House has also revealed that an additional 17 Americans are currently missing, raising concerns about their safety and well-being. However, it remains unclear how many of these missing individuals may have been taken captive by the militant Palestinian group.

This tragic news comes as the death toll in Israel continues to rise, reaching a staggering 1,200. Concurrently, over 1,100 people have lost their lives in Israeli air strikes on Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared the updated figures on Wednesday, expressing his condolences and support for the affected families. He stated via X, "We join families in Israel, in the US, and around the world mourning the loss of loved ones killed in Hamas's heinous attacks. We continue efforts to secure the release of those hostages, and the US remains steadfast and unwavering in our support for Israel."

White House spokesman John Kirby warned that the numbers of casualties, both American and non-American, could rise further. He emphasized the possibility that more Americans could be held as hostages by Hamas, describing it as a "distinct possibility." Kirby's statement, made during a roundtable discussion with Jewish leaders, highlights the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for resolution.

President Joe Biden, speaking at the same discussion with Jewish leaders, condemned Hamas for its "campaign of pure cruelty," stating that this was one of the darkest periods for the Jewish community since the Holocaust. He expressed his determination to bring the American hostages back home but acknowledged that disclosing too much information could hinder their rescue efforts.

The situation is not exclusive to American citizens, as several Palestinian-Americans are also reported to be trapped in Gaza. However, it remains uncertain whether any of them have been injured during the ongoing bombardment. The US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert urging US citizens in Gaza, who can safely do so, to check the status of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt if they wish to leave.

In response to the escalating violence, the state department has raised its travel alert warning level, advising Americans to reconsider any plans to visit Israel and the West Bank. This serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of US citizens amidst the intensifying conflict.

Among the missing Americans is 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Golberg-Polin, who was attending a music festival when it was attacked by militants. His parents, speaking to the Jerusalem Post, revealed that they had received heartfelt messages from him, expressing his love and apologies. They are anxiously awaiting his safe return.

Abbey Onn, another US citizen residing in Israel, shared her family's harrowing experience with CBS. She disclosed that five members of her family, including a 12-year-old boy, had been taken hostage. Onn received a WhatsApp message from her family stating that Hamas fighters had invaded their home in Nir Oz, a kibbutz located near Gaza.

Additionally, Judith and Natalie Raanan, a mother and teenage daughter from Chicago, Illinois, who were visiting relatives in southern Israel, found themselves caught in the attack. Judith's ex-husband reported that they had informed him via text that they were hiding in a safe room. However, he has not received any further communication from them since then.

Another cause for concern is the missing soldier, Itay Chen, who holds dual US-Israeli citizenship. His father, Ruby Chen, has sought the assistance of the state department in locating his son, who grew up in New York City. Ruby Chen fears that Itay has been taken to Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to find and bring him back to safety.

While the US government is determined to secure the release of all hostages, particularly American citizens, the lack of specific information regarding their whereabouts and conditions presents a significant challenge. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan assured the public that they are in regular contact with the families of the missing, offering support and updates on the ongoing efforts.

As of now, the identities of all the Americans killed have not been officially released. However, some family members have taken to social media or local media outlets to announce their loved ones' tragic deaths. Ilan Troen, a professor at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, shared the devastating news that his daughter Deborah Matias, 50, and her husband, Shlomi, were killed while protecting their son, Roten, during the attack. Despite Roten sustaining injuries, his parents' sacrifice saved his life.

Similarly, Hannah Katsman, a long-time Israel resident originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, revealed on Facebook that her son Hayim Katsman was killed at his kibbutz near the Gaza border. Hayim, an academic specializing in Israel studies, had recently graduated from the University of Washington.

The situation remains dire, with the number of casualties and hostages likely to increase further. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, hoping for a swift resolution and the safe return of all those affected.