American officials say they are still trying to sort out what caused the Israeli military to detain members of a Canadian-American family in the Gaza Strip.

Israel鈥檚 military confirmed it took at least two people into custody but would not provide an on-the-record explanation today as to why it is holding them, nor how many relatives are in custody.

Relatives say that last Thursday, Israeli forces took Ahmed Alagha and his sons Borak and Hashem from their family home in al-Muwasi, a town near Khan Younis.

The family says the father is Canadian and his sons have both Canadian and American citizenship 鈥� but relatives are decrying a lack of communication from both governments.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller says American officials 鈥渄on鈥檛 have clarity on the situation鈥� and are seeking more information from the Israeli government.

Foreign Affairs Minister M茅lanie Joly says the case is of the utmost priority for her government and she is in touch with her counterparts.

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