Continuing breaking News Coverage. Im Ayman Mohyeldin in new york. It is five a. M. And gaza city. Fighting between israel and hamas now enters a third day. Just the last few, hours nbc news has learned that several u. S. Citizens are among those dead and israel. Thats according to a National Security Council Spokesperson. The has said its monitoring the situation closely and the State Department is ready to provide assistance to any u. S. Citizens ill in the country. Ght, now 700 israelis are dead, 2300 injured. According to israeli officials. The Palestinian Health Ministry Says their death toll stands at more than 400 with at least 2300 injured. Israel has confirmed that forces have taken both military and non military israeli captives. Israeli media says that number is actually at 100. It includes, women, children and the elderly. Earlier today, Family Members of some of those taken by hamas held a press conference. They shared their stories and pleaded for help. Here is one woman