Gaza hostage count rises to 199, including children and US citizens: Israel military

WASHINGTON (TND) — The Israeli military now says there are 199 people being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas which is an increase from the previous count of 150.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the families have been notified but did not specify whether the latest number includes foreigners.

However, the number does include children, the elderly and U.S. citizens.

The State Department announced Sunday evening that 30Americans have been confirmed dead during the first week of war between Hamas and Israel.

Officials added they are aware of 13 missing citizens and are in contact with their families.

Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel more than a week ago and more than 1,400 Israelis have died so far.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 2,750 Palestinians have been killed and 9,700 wounded since the fighting erupted.

The first charter flight to get American citizens safely out of Israel departed Friday, according to the White House.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby added additional flights will be departing in the coming days and the State Department will organize charter flights "for as long as there is a demand from U.S. citizens for departure assistance."

On Monday morning, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship carrying US nationals left the Israeli port of Haifa and headed for Cypress.

The US Embassy in Israel said once the ship arrives at the Limassol port in Cypress, citizens will be responsible for arranging their own accommodations going forward.