Israel-Hamas war: Biden confirms 14 Americans dead, many held hostage

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Oct 10) confirmed that American citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas and described the Gaza-based militant group as"sheer evil" amid the ongoing state of war between Israel and Hamas.

"Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear," Biden said while comparing the brutality of the Hamas militants to that of the Islamic State terrorist group.

He added: "Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, and tomorrow as we always have."

Biden said the number of US citizens confirmed to have been killed in the fighting has reached 14, up from 11 reported previously.

US officials said that the death toll could increase further as some 20 Americans remain unaccounted for and are either presumed dead or taken hostage by the Hamas militant group.

"There’s no justification for terrorism. There’s no excuse," Biden said. "Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Their stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. They use Palestinian civilians as human shields."

Biden's veiled warning to Iran, Hezbollah

Biden said he has directed his team to share intelligence and military experts to consult and advise Israelis.

In a veiled warning to Iran which backs Lebanon-based armed militant group Hezbollah as a purported proxy against Israel, Biden said: "Let me say again to any country, any organisation, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation."

"I have one word: Don’t."

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"As president, I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world," Biden said.

Meanwhile, US State Secretary Antony Blinken would travel to Israel to deliver a message of solidarity and support. Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.

The White House on Monday (Oct 9) confirmed that it has already begun delivering munitions and military equipment to Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

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