U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the families of Americans who have been killed or taken hostage by Hamas during a press conference held in Tel Aviv on Thursday. During the meeting, Secretary Blinken offered his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and reiterated the United States' unwavering commitment to securing the release of the hostages.
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Accompanied by Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steve Gillen, Secretary Blinken addressed the media and shared his deep empathy for the families grappling with unimaginable loss and uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones.
"The enormity of their anguish, their loss, is immeasurable. For the families of the missing, there's an unrelenting agony of not knowing the fate of their loved ones. Something that I don't think most of us can truly understand, truly contemplate, if you're not in their shoes. No one should have to endure what they're going through," Secretary Blinken expressed, visibly moved by the emotional weight of the situation.
At least 25 Americans have tragically lost their lives as a result of Hamas' terror attacks in Israel. The White House disclosed on Wednesday that 17 Americans remain unaccounted for, intensifying concerns about their well-being and safety.
Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steve Gillen, who joined Secretary Blinken in the meetings with the families, assured them of the United States' commitment to their cause. "I will stay on the ground here to support the efforts to free their loved ones," Gillen said, highlighting the dedication of the U.S. government to bring these hostages back safely.