US Department of State confirms approximately 10 American captives held by Hamas

The US Department of State announced Wednesday that there are approximately 10 American captives still held by Hamas.

They affirmed that their priorities include a humanitarian ceasefire to provide assistance and create conditions for the release of the captives.

Hamas' statements regarding the release of the hostages are welcomed, but words must be matched with actions, they stated.

The department said that the closure of the Rafah crossing came due to "security reasons."

"We continue to work with both the Egyptian and Israeli governments to reopen the Rafah crossing."