The mother who died saving her son from Hamas terrorists. The Washington University graduate who longed for peace. The 23-year-old missing after celebrating his birthday at a desert festival.

These are just some of the Americans killed, kidnapped or feared missing following the attacks launched by Hamas militants on Israel over the last four days.

The State Department confirmed the death toll of US citizens had risen to 22 people on Wednesday. An unknown number are believed to have been take hostage by Hamas militants.

“We also know that American citizens still remain unaccounted for, and we are working with Israeli officials to obtain more information as to their whereabouts,” Biden said in a statement on Monday, when the confirmed toll was at 14.

“While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas.”

The president said that finding the Americans and bringing them to safety is a “top priority” as he condemned the attacks on Israel by the designated terrorist group.

Amid the Biden administration’s efforts, families and friends have spoken out about their loved ones who have been tragically killed – and pleaded for information about the whereabouts of those missing.

Here’s what we know so far about some of the Americans caught up in the unprecedented attacks.