Citing Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered Texas flags on all state buildings, facilities, and offices to be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives in Palestinian militant group Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel. According to the governor, American citizens are counted among the fatalities.
“Individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly the Texas flag at half-staff for the same period as a sign of honor and respect,” Abbott, a Republican, said in an October 9th letter to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Colonel Steven McGraw. “The First Lady and I extend our prayers of comfort to those affected by this devastating event."
The flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset on October 14th, the Office of the Texas Governor said.
The October 7th assault, which has claimed at least 1,000 lives, prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare his country is in a state of war with Hamas.
Per The Associated Press (AP), Hamas militants, assisted by rocket fire, barged into Israeli towns close to the blockaded Gaza Strip and killed dozens of people and abducted others and took them into Gaza on what was a major Jewish holiday. Israeli officials said it was the deadliest attack their nation has experienced in decades.
Hamas, which is deemed a terrorist organization by the U.S., has threatened to execute hostages if the Israeli Defense Forces kill any Palestinian civilians. Citing the U.S. Department of State, NBC News reported that the conflict has claimed the lives of nine Americans. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told the national outlet some Americans are among the missing.
National Public Radio (NPR) reported that Israel has since responded to the attacks by sending missiles into the Gaza Strip in addition to cutting off electricity, food and fuel supplies. At least 1,000 Palestinians were reported killed.