US rushing air defences, munitions and security aid to Israel, defence official says

The US military is “surging” fresh supplies of air defences, munitions and other security aid to Israel to help it respond to an unprecedented weekend attack by Hamas, a senior US defence official said on Monday.

“Planes have already taken off,” the US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to Pentagon reporters.

“We are surging support to Israel … We remain in constant ongoing contact with our counterparts in Israel to determine and then support their most urgent requirements.”

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Israel declares war after Hamas launches surprise attack, killing hundreds of people

Israel declares war after Hamas launches surprise attack, killing hundreds of people

“We are able to continue our support both to Ukraine, to Israel, and maintain our own global readiness,” the official said.

Hamas vows to execute hostages as Israel strikes and seals off Gaza

The senior US official compared the attack by Hamas to “Isis-level savagery,” a characterisation echoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also said on Monday that Hamas’ attack mirrored those carried out by the jihadist group Islamic State.

Biden said at least 11 American citizens were among those killed in Israel and added US citizens were likely among the Hamas hostages.

“I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

“Of course, Iran is in the picture. Iran has provided support for years to the Hamas and Hezbollah. But we have no information corroborating the specifics of the Wall Street Journal story at this time,” the official said.

Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse