DeSantis directs flags to half staff to honor victims of Israel attacks

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half staff from sunrise till sunset this Friday "as a mark of respect for the victims and in solidarity with the State of Israel," his office announced Monday evening. 

Also, the old Capitol in Tallahassee will be "lit in blue and white" – the colors of Israel's flag – "from sunset to sunrise until Friday."

On Saturday, which was "the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists launched a violent attack on the State of Israel and the Jewish people. As of today, there have been at least 900 deaths, including many civilian women and children, and over 100 have been taken hostage," a statement from the governor's office said. 

"This is a direct assault on the people of Israel and the Jewish community. We reinforce our commitment to Israel and our fight against anti-Israel sentiments. Florida stands with the State of Israel and Israeli citizens."

The governor's order includes flags "at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the state of Florida." 

Also Monday, the Biden administration said the White House would be "illuminated in the blue and white colors of the Israeli flag as a symbol of the United States’ 75-year relationship. This symbolizes the ironclad support and solidarity of the American people with the people of Israel in the wake of the barbaric terrorist attacks committed by Hamas."

By Monday evening, the war's third day, the Associated Press reported that "Israel increased airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and sealed it off from food, fuel and other supplies in retaliation for a bloody incursion by Hamas (terrorists), as the war’s death toll rose to nearly 1,600 on both sides.

"Hamas also escalated the conflict, pledging to kill captured Israelis if attacks targeted civilians without warnings," it added.