Israel conflict latest: Israeli army fires back following ‘launches’ from Syria

US president Joe Biden said Israel has both the “right” and the “duty” to respond to the attacks by Hamas, as he confirmed that Americans were being held hostage by the terrorist group.

Describing the attacks by Hamas as “sheer evil” that brought back grim memories of “genocide and antisemitism”, Biden vowed that the US would “stand with Israel”.

In remarks from the White House, the president called on Congress to help bolster aid to Israel as needed and for “the United States to come together” more broadly.

“There is no place for hate in America, not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against anyone”, he continued.

At least 14 US citizens have been killed in Israel, Biden said.