On Saturday, Oct. 7, Hamas terrorists launched an attack against Israel, killing over 900 Israelis and kidnapping more than 100 people. Now a few days into the Israel-Hamas war, families of hostages are waiting for word on their loved ones.
Israel Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer confirmed that American citizens are among the hostages. Hamas leaders are warning that they will kill hostages on live TV every time Israel hits Gaza civilians by airstrike “without warning,” according to NBC news.
Several Israeli-American families of those missing and believed to be in captivity came forward in a press conference from Tel Aviv Monday, Oct. 9, begging for the U.S. government to help bring home their loved ones.
The Times of Israel reported that a senior government source said Israel will continue carrying out attacks in Gaza — even at the cost of harming captive Israelis.
Ruby Chen’s 19-year-old son Itay Chen is one of those being held hostage.
Itay grew up in Long Island, New York, and holds dual citizenship with the United States and Israel. Itay is a member of the Israeli Armed Corps and was serving on the border of Gaza on the day of the attack when it’s believed Hamas terrorists kidnapped him.
Itay’s father said the family last heard from Itay Saturday morning, Oct. 7.
“We want to go back to become family,” Ruby Chen said about his abducted son. “We want this to end as soon as possible.”
Chen is asking for the United State’s help in getting his son and other kidnapped Americans back.
“I’m asking the U.S. not to take a backseat,” Chen said. “The U.S. has a lot of resources at its attention. It is able to do many things that can be different than what the Israeli government can do. And we are asking on behalf of my family for President Biden — when we are sure his heart is in the right place when it comes to Israel — and secretary of state, to do what they can to make this end for us as soon as possible till we become family.”
Chen isn’t the only one waiting in agony to hear news about family.
Abby Onn is an American and her family has been living in Israel for the last eight years. Onn appeared on Fox News saying she’s heartbroken as several of her family members were taken by Hamas. The youngest is a 12-year-old girl seen on video being dragged by Hamas terrorists.
“It is inconceivable that this is happening in this day and this time in Israel, and I think that as an American who is here,” Onn said. “My cousin Carmela is an American, these are her children and this is her son-in-law, and I feel proud to be both American and Israeli, and I just want people to understand this is not political. These are humans. These are people’s grandparents and children and husbands and wives.”
Israeli officials say they will not negotiate with Hamas to rescue the hostages.
John Kirby, the coordinator for Strategic Communications at the U.S. National Security Council, appeared on PBS saying Biden wants all Americans to come home safe. As of right now, the U.S. has not ruled out a commando mission to go into Gaza and rescue American hostages.
“I will let Israel speak for itself,” Kirby said. “I can tell you that there’s no higher priority for President Biden than the safety and security of Americans overseas. We have acted and will continue to act in the interest of making sure that Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas get home with their families. But we don’t usually talk publicly about how we go about doing that. And I don’t think I want to break precedent here today.”
As Hamas threatens to execute hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders airstrikes to hit Gaza. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 830 people have been killed.
