At least 11 US citizens killed in Hamas attack on Israel: Biden

US President Joe Biden said Monday that the number of Americans killed in Israel has risen to 11.

“Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed—many of whom made a second home in Israel,” Biden said in a statement.

He added that the US believed it was likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas. “I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts,” he said.

At least nine American citizens had been reported killed in the recent violence between Israel and Hamas militants, the US State Department said previously.

State Department Spokesman Matt Miller said that the US is in touch with the families and providing all necessary consular assistance.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners and the local authorities,” Miller said.