SURFSIDE, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at a synagogue in Surfside on Tuesday.

“It is important that we say as Americans and as Floridians, we stand with the people of Israel and we stand with the state of Israel in this dark hour,” DeSantis said. “That means we are clear that Israel not only has the right to defend itself, it has the duty.”

DeSantis said a North Miami Beach man was killed in a battle against Hamas terrorists on Saturday night.

“My wife and I are praying for the families of those killed and missing, particularly, the at least 11 American citizens that have already been reported to be killed and we fear it could be many more and we do fear that there could be Americans that could potentially be being held hostage right now, DeSantis said.