US Aware of Reports on Israel Detaining Two Americans in Gaza, State Dept Confirms, According to Reuters

By Doina Chiacu and Simon Lewis

The United States is aware of reports indicating that two Americans in Gaza were detained by Israeli forces during a raid early Thursday morning and is currently seeking further information, according to the State Department.

While the department has not disclosed the identities of the detained individuals due to privacy concerns, the family of Hashem Alagha, 20, and Borak Alagha, 18, has stated that the brothers were caught in a raid on a residence west of Khan Younis. Alongside them, four other family members were also taken, which includes their Canadian father and an uncle with mental disabilities, as reported by their cousin, Yasmeen Elagha, who resides near Chicago.

A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed they are "aware of reports of the detention of two U.S. citizens in Gaza and are seeking additional information." The Israeli military has not yet provided any comments on the situation.

Since the onset of Israel’s military actions in Gaza on October 7, following a deadly attack by Hamas, hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been arrested or detained, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club advocacy group.

The Alagha brothers, who were born in the Chicago area, have not been authorized to leave Gaza, as detailed by their cousin. Americans who wish to exit Gaza via the Rafah crossing into Egypt must receive approval from both Israeli and Egyptian authorities.

The Alagha family previously filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration in December, alleging that the government has not worked as diligently to facilitate the evacuation of their relatives in Gaza compared to the efforts made for Israeli dual nationals following the October 7 assault by Hamas.

The State Department noted that it has assisted roughly 1,300 U.S. Palestinians in leaving Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict, coordinating with Israeli and Egyptian officials to facilitate their exit to neighboring Egypt.

Several American families are currently suing the government, asserting that the United States has not arranged dedicated flights or taken sufficient measures to help the estimated 900 other U.S. citizens and residents, along with their family members, who remain trapped in Gaza.