New York law enforcement officials stranded in Israel during ongoing Hamas attacks

The district attorney's office for Westchester County, New York, confirmed that dozens of police officials were in the country for "an international counterterrorism and antisemitism training."
NYPD officers, June 11, 2022, Brooklyn, NYC

A group of 32 senior law enforcement officials and police chiefs from New York remain in Israel amid Hamas' ongoing attack on the country.

The district attorney's office for Westchester County, New York, confirmed that dozens of police officials were in the country for "an international counterterrorism and antisemitism training."

The officials are currently awaiting evacuation. 

"I am in communication with our Deputy Chief who informed me that though the delegation is close to the Gaza Strip, they are sheltering in a safe location and every effort is underway for their safe return to New York," DA Miriam Rocah announced Sunday, according to Fox News.

"While I am personally overcome with emotions about the devastation unfolding in Israel, I share in the gratitude I hear from our colleagues about their wellbeing and protection during their evacuation despite wanting to stay for their week-long training," she added.

Israeli officials reported that at least 700 Israeli citizens have been killed and over 100 kidnapped. At least 2,000 more have been wounded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deployed tens of thousands of troops to the area around Gaza, and military officials say they plan to "kill every terrorist in Israel."