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Video of John Kirby choking up as he discusses attack on Israel breaks Internet hearts

The interview, conducted by Jake Tapper, saw Kirby visibly shaken by the images coming out of the Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC: White House spokesperson John Kirby broke down in tears during a live television interview on Monday, October 9, as he discussed the shocking surprise attack by Hamas on Israel.

Kirby, who has been consistently providing updates on American hostages, struggled to find words as he spoke about the human cost of the conflict, evoking sympathy and highlighting the disturbing nature of the attacks among netizens. 

John Kirby highlights the human tragedy of Middle East conflict

The interview, conducted by Jake Tapper, saw Kirby visibly shaken by the images coming out of the Middle East. He struggled to maintain his composure, saying, "I, uh, I - sorry. It's very - excuse me. It's very difficult to look at these images, Jake, and the human cost. These are human beings... They're family members, they're friends, they're loved ones, cousins, brothers, sisters. Yeah, it's difficult and I apologize."

Tapper offered reassurance to Kirby, stating that "he has nothing to apologize for," considering the horrifying images and stories emerging from the conflict.

"Some of the images I was referring to had to deal with elderly people at a bus stop who had been slaughtered. Young women taken hostage, their pants filled with blood presumably because of being repeatedly raped," Tapper added.

President Joe Biden later released a written statement condemning the "inexcusable hatred and violence" of the terror attack on Israel, revealing that at least 11 Americans had lost their lives in the tragedy.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has taken a perilous turn, with Hamas, a Palestinian militant group controlling the Gaza Strip, launching a multi-front attack on Israel.

Thousands of rockets rained down on Israeli cities and captivity of over 150 hostages over the weekend.

The ongoing fighting has resulted in a significant loss of life, with the death toll reaching around 1,100 while violence continues to erupt in cities. Israel, in response, bombed Gaza, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially declaring war against Hamas. 

US and Israel respond to escalating tensions

As the situation unfolds, it is apparent that US and Israel are monitoring the crisis. The head of the Israeli Defense Forces has already threatened to lay siege to Gaza.

The US is working diligently to gather information about the unaccounted-for Americans and has offered support to Israel in dealing with the hostage crisis.

Further, Kirby verified that communication had taken place between the United States and Israel.

Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for Hamas' armed branch, the IQB, stated, "We have decided to put an end to this and as of now, we declare that any targeting of our people in their homes without prior warning will be regrettably faced with the execution of one the hostages of civilians we are holding."

The leader of the Israeli Defense Forces has already issued a warning of implementing a blockade on Gaza.

"I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed,” said Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. "We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly."

John Kirby's emotional reaction strikes a chord with global audiences

Kirby's emotional response resonated with internet users, touching the hearts of people around the world.

A user tweeted, "So Heartbreaking!!"

Another added, "Thank You John Kirby for your Humanity."

A third tweeted, "This is how true military patriots react to the horrors of war. Don't let the others take away our valor."

A user stated, "It's touching actually to see that no matter how powerful, he preserved his Humanity. It's good to know."

"Only a true American would cry tears for another country in trouble," read a tweet.