Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to “not be silent” about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, Harris expressed her “serious concern” and emphasized the urgency of securing a ceasefire deal.
Harris underscored the devastating conditions in Gaza, describing the plight of children and families displaced multiple times. “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent,” she stated. Her comments mark a clear stance on the conflict, aiming to balance US support for Israel with a push for peace.
“Israel has a right to defend itself, and how it does so matters. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating,” Harris said, echoing President Biden’s “ironclad support” for Israel while stressing the need to end the war. She called for a ceasefire that ensures Israel’s security, releases all hostages, ends Palestinian suffering, and allows the Palestinian people their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
During her remarks, Harris highlighted the potential for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace, ensuring Israel’s security and Palestinian rights. She urged Americans to recognize the complexity of the conflict, encouraging dialogue that acknowledges the region’s history and nuances. “Let us all condemn terrorism and violence. Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians. And let us condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate of any kind. And let us work to unite our country,” Harris said.
The Vice President noted “hopeful movement” in ceasefire talks and reiterated her call for Netanyahu to finalize the agreement. “It is time to get this deal done,” she said. Harris also highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts to secure the release of American hostages in Gaza, sharing the names of those being held by Hamas and meeting with their families.
As the situation continues to evolve, Harris reaffirmed the importance of addressing the conflict’s complexities and the need for a united stance against hatred and violence. “The war in Gaza is not a binary issue,” she emphasized, calling for collective action to alleviate civilian suffering and promote peace.
Key Points:
- Commitment to Addressing Humanitarian Crisis:
- Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized her determination to “not be silent” about the suffering in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Serious Concern and Urgency for Ceasefire:
- Harris expressed her “serious concern” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized the need to secure a ceasefire deal.
- Devastating Conditions in Gaza:
- Harris described the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the plight of displaced children and families.
- Balancing Support for Israel and Push for Peace:
- While reiterating the US’s “ironclad support” for Israel’s right to self-defense, Harris stressed the importance of ending the war and addressing Palestinian suffering.
- Two-State Solution Advocacy:
- Harris advocated for a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace, ensuring both Israel’s security and Palestinian rights to freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
- Recognition of Conflict Complexity:
- Harris urged Americans to understand the complexity of the conflict and encouraged a nuanced, informed dialogue.
- Condemnation of Hate and Violence:
- She called for the condemnation of terrorism, violence, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and any form of hate.
- Efforts to Secure Hostage Release:
- Harris highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts to secure the release of American hostages in Gaza.
- Hopeful Movement in Ceasefire Talks:
- Harris noted progress in ceasefire negotiations and reiterated the urgency of finalizing the agreement.
- Call for Unity and Action:
- Harris emphasized the need for collective action to alleviate civilian suffering and promote peace, urging Americans to unite against hate and violence.
