ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK, GAZA: White House officials announced the heartbreaking news of 14 Americans losing their lives, with an additional 20 or more still missing, in the wake of a "pure unadulterated evil" attack on Israel, per the New York Times.
Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser to President Biden, informed the press that the exact number of missing individuals who might be in Hamas’ custody remains uncertain.
The Palestinian millitant group controlling Gaza, which initiated the attacks on Saturday, October 7, has caused the death of over 1,000 people in Israel.
Sullivan conveyed that the government is maintaining regular communication with the families of those missing.
Some of these families have made heartfelt appeals to both US and Israeli authorities, seeking their assistance in locating and returning their loved ones.
"I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world," declared President Biden in his White House address on Tuesday, October 10.
Who to contact to know about family missing in Israel?
US citizens seeking to be in touch with the US Embassy in Israel, please click this link: cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake or call +1-833-890-9595 and +1-606-641-0131.
US citizens in Israel who need assistance should also contact the closest US embassy or consulate using this crisis intake form.
How can you contribute to humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza?
The intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas is impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid in the region.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which experienced damage to one of its buildings in Gaza, is advocating for the safeguarding of humanitarian workers, civilians, and essential infrastructure.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), describing the situation as "horrific," is appealing for moderation as medical facilities have been obliterated in the conflict.
CNN’s Impact Your World has compiled a list of verified organizations that are actively responding to the wounded on the ground. You can contribute to their efforts by making a donation.
The Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) is a network comprising over 170 non-governmental organizations. This coalition represents tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis united by the common objective of establishing peace between the two communities.
On Saturday, ALLMEP announced its commitment to supporting its members who are involved in emergency response efforts, according to People.
The American Friends of the Parents Circle-Families Forum (AF-PCFF) is an organization that backs the Parents Circle-Families Forum.
This is a joint Israeli-Palestinian entity consisting of over 600 families, each of which has suffered the loss of an immediate family member due to the persistent conflict.
The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) is dedicated to delivering vital and life-saving medical aid and humanitarian assistance to victims of the conflict in Gaza.
Even prior to the conflict, and more so now, access to essential resources such as food, clean water, and healthcare has been drastically curtailed.
"In light of the recent violence that has left hundreds dead and thousands injured and homeless in Gaza, we are mobilizing our resources in unwavering determination," the group stated.
Save the Children is extending its support to children impacted by the hostilities. These children are confronting perilous conditions, and displacement, and are potentially at risk of experiencing "severe mental health impacts."
Who to contact to know about family missing in Palestine?
US citizens in Israel who have family members missing in the Gaza periphery can go to the Israel National Police’s combined assistance center at 4 HaNegev Street in Airport City.
Additional information can be found here: https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/police_08-10-23_family-center (Hebrew only at this time).
US citizens in Israel who need assistance should also contact the closest US embassy or consulate using the crisis intake form.
Is the Ben Gurion International Airport open?
According to the US embassy Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, but some flights have been reduced or suspended. US carriers have temporarily suspended flights to Israel.
Please check with the airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. You can check the status of flights and the status of Ben Gurion International Airport here: https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/
We will update this story as and when more information on helplines becomes available.
