Kemp Orders Flags At Half-Staff For Lives Lost In Israel-Hamas War

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp has ordered flags at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds until sunset, Oct. 14, in memory of lives lost during the Israel-Hamas war.

The war - which broke out on Saturday after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Israel - has claimed the lives of at least 22 Americans, Kemp said.

CNN reported Thursday 1,417 people have died in Gaza, with the Washington Post reporting at least 25 Americans have been killed in the war.

Kemp reported a number of Americans have been held hostage by Hamas.

"The people of Georgia mourn the American lives lost in these unwarranted attacks and join our close ally Israel in grieving all those who were taken from their families or injured," Kemp said in the executive order, "and it is appropriate that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Georgia be flown at half-staff in memory of those killed during these brutal attacks."

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday, where he said the U.S. planned to send "ammunition, Iron Dome interceptors, the world’s largest aircraft carrier and other defense material" to Israel, according to a press release from the White House.

RELATED: Georgia Delta Flights Impacted By War Outbreak In Israel

The U.S. Department of State issued travel advisories Wednesday telling people not to travel to Gaza, due to "terrorism, civil unrest and armed conflict." Travelers were asked to reconsider going to Israel or the West Bank.

Delta Air Lines reported Wednesday that flights to, from and through Tel Aviv, Israel, through Sept. 6, 2024, are impacted by the war. Tickets must be reissued on or before Dec. 31, and rebooked travel must begin no later than Sept. 6, 2024.

"Eligibility only for customers with an original ticket issue date on or before Oct. 11, 2023. Changes to origins and destinations may result in an increase in fare. Any difference in fare between your original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of booking," the airlines said.

Fox 5 Atlanta reported Wednesday two Loganville church groups that had been traveling in or to Israel when the attacks began Saturday were working to leave the country.

Read more via Fox 5 Atlanta.