White House national security spokesman John Kirby choked up in a Monday interview with CNN while discussing horrific images of the attacks against Israel by the militant group Hamas.
“Yeah, I, it, sorry — it’s very, excuse me, very difficult to look at these images, Jake, and the human cost. And these are human beings, they’re family members, they’re friends, they’re loved ones, cousins, brothers, sisters. Yeah, it’s difficult and I apologize,” Kirby said when asked about images of children kidnapped and women abducted and raped in Israel.
“Nothing to say sorry for,” CNN’s Jake Tapper replied.
More than 1,000 people have died since Hamas, which controls Gaza, launched attacks against Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday said Israel is “at war” with Hamas.
President Biden and Netanyahu have spoken several times since the attacks began.
Biden on Monday announced 11 Americans have been killed in the attacks against Israel and warned American citizens may be among those being held hostage by Hamas. Earlier on Monday, Biden met with his national security team and the president has vowed to assist Israel as it deals with the fallout of the attacks.
The State Department is providing consular assistance to Americans who are currently in Israel and urged those in the area to follow the guidance of local authorities.