US arranges exit flights as American death toll in Israel hits 27

The number of U.S. citizens confirmed dead in the Hamas attack in Israel over the weekend has risen to 27, with 14 more still unaccounted for, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.

U.S. White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby takes questions on the situation in Israel as he joins White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S. October 11, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of U.S. citizens confirmed dead in the Hamas attack in Israel over the weekend has risen to 27, with 14 more still unaccounted for, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday.

Kirby, speaking to reporters at a news briefing, also said the U.S. will arrange charter flights to Europe starting on Friday for Americans wanting to leave the Israel.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; writing by Susan Heavey)