14 American Citizens Killed in Hamas Attacks on Israel, Biden Says

At least 14 American citizens have been killed in the attacks by Hamas on Israel, announced U.S. President Joe Biden in a special address to the nation. His remarks were cited by ABC News.

"More than 1,000 civilians have been murdered, including at least 14 Americans," he said, referring to the group's actions as a "pure evil."

"The brutality of Hamas, its bloodthirstiness, recalls the most horrific atrocities of the Islamic State (banned in Russia). This is terrorism," the president stated.

He added that the United States stands by Israel and will do everything possible to ensure it has what it needs to protect its citizens and respond to these attacks.

In the same speech, Biden cautioned Middle Eastern countries and groups against attempts to attack Israel. He reminded that the United States has decided to deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean and has increased combat aircraft in the region. "If necessary, we are prepared to take additional similar measures," he warned.

The U.S. is not currently planning to send military personnel to Israel, said Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the same day.