US Vice-President Pushes for Urgent Ceasefire to Address Humanitarian Emergency in Gaza
On July 25, US Vice-President Kamala Harris urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize a ceasefire deal in Gaza, reflecting a tougher stance than President Joe Biden. Harris made it clear that she would not remain silent about the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, a region that has been devastated by months of war between Israel and Hamas militants.
In a televised statement following talks with Netanyahu, Harris said, “It is time for this war to end,” emphasizing that the ongoing conflict had caused immense suffering among Palestinian civilians. With a sharp tone, Harris stated, “We cannot allow ourselves to be numb to the suffering.”
While Biden had earlier urged Netanyahu to close gaps toward a ceasefire, Harris’ remarks seemed to signal a shift in how she might approach relations with Israel if elected president. Analysts suggest, however, that there is unlikely to be a major shift in US policy toward Israel, a key ally in the Middle East.
Harris’ comments came as US officials reported progress in negotiations for a six-week ceasefire in exchange for Hamas releasing vulnerable hostages, including women, the elderly, and the sick. Despite this, Harris expressed growing frustration with Israel’s military tactics, echoing previous statements where she criticized Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Her remarks reflect the growing divide within the Democratic Party over the conflict, particularly as some progressives urge Biden to impose conditions on US military support to Israel due to the high number of Palestinian casualties. Harris also took a moment to connect with Americans calling for peace, urging them to help “understand the complexity, the nuance, and the history of the region” in their efforts for a ceasefire.
