Kamala Harris Expresses Concern to Netanyahu Over Gaza War

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has voiced her concern about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the suffering of the Palestinian people. In a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, Harris emphasized her unwavering support for Israel’s security while expressing her distress over the innocent lives lost in the war.

Harris highlighted the conflict’s tragic consequences, showing heartbreaking images of dead children and desperate individuals seeking safety, many of whom have been displaced multiple times. She insisted we must not ignore such tragedies and pledged to speak out about them.

Kamala Calls for Ceasefire

With the possibility of being the Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, Harris urged Netanyahu to consider a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. She called for an end to the conflict in a manner that ensures Israel’s security, the release of hostages, and addresses Palestinian suffering, as well as their rights to freedom, dignity, and self-determination.

While reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself and condemning Hamas as a brutal terrorist organization, Harris noted that Hamas holds five U.S. citizens in Gaza and likely has the remains of two others. She assured the hostages’ families that they are making daily efforts to secure their return.

Kamala Harris acknowledged the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, cautioning against oversimplifying the situation. Although her remarks did not significantly diverge from Biden’s policy, her emphasis on Palestinian suffering presented a contrast to Biden’s more measured approach towards Israel. Biden’s policies have faced criticism from progressive factions within the Democratic Party and many Muslim-Americans.

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Despite her current position, Harris has historically shown strong support for Israel. Her first overseas trip as a senator in 2017 was to Israel, and she introduced a resolution opposing a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning the country. She has also spoken at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual convention, reaffirming the strong ties between the U.S. and Israel.