The US believes the number of American citizens being held hostage by Hamas following its deadly attack on Israel is "very small," the White House said on Wednesday.
"Right now we think the number that we know or we believe are held hostage is very small, very small, like less than a handful. But that could change over time," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
The US State Department said on Wednesday that it is exploring contract options to facilitate American citizens' travel from Israel to nearby countries following attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
It said commercial flights are available "even if they are not direct to the US"