Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized on Sunday the dire situation in Gaza, stating that people there are facing starvation. She called for an immediate ceasefire as part of negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a hostage deal.
Harris’ statements mark the Biden administration’s most extensive acknowledgment of the distress in Gaza and its strongest appeal for a ceasefire. These comments come as the administration is actively pressing for a ceasefire and a hostage deal before the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan on March 10.
“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next 6 weeks. This is what is currently on the table,” Harris stated, urging Hamas to accept such an arrangement.
“What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating. We have seen reports of families eating leaves and animal feed, children dying from malnutrition and dehydration. Too many innocent Palestinian have been killed,” Harris said.
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Harris described the situation in Gaza as “inhumane” and “a humanitarian catastrophe,” asserting that “our common humanity compels us to act.” She urged the Israeli government to increase efforts to facilitate the flow of much-needed aid.
“No excuses. They must open new border crossings and refrain from imposing unnecessary restrictions on aid delivery. They must also ensure that humanitarian convoys are not targeted and work to restore basic services and order in Gaza to enable more food, water, and fuel to reach those in need.”
Harris delivered her remarks in a symbolic setting — the annual commemoration of the 1965 “Bloody Sunday” crackdown by police on marchers in Selma, Alabama, an important moment in the U.S. civil rights movement.
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During her speech, the vice president referenced an incident that occurred on Thursday, where more than 100 Palestinians were killed near an aid convoy. “Desperate people approach aid trucks simply trying to secure food for their families… and they were met with gunfire and chaos,” she stated.
She also criticized Hamas and said the group can’t continue to control Gaza. “They have shown no regard for innocent lives including to the people of Gaza… the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated,” Harris added.
Harris was scheduled to meet with Benny Gantz, a senior member of the Israeli war cabinet, at the White House on Monday to address the situation in Gaza and the proposed hostage deal.
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Gantz, who will also hold meetings with Secretary of State Tony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, serves as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s primary political rival. Recent polls suggest that Gantz would emerge victorious over Netanyahu if elections were held today.
White House officials have characterized Gantz’s visit as routine. However, the decision to hold high-level meetings and extend the red-carpet treatment suggests a strategic signal to both Netanyahu and the Israeli public.
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