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VP Kamala Harris Urges Netanyahu for Ceasefire Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
VP Kamala Harris calls for a ceasefire and highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza in her meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu. Over 2 million facing severe food insecurity.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-26
VP Kamala Harris Urges Netanyahu for Ceasefire Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed grave concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following their discussion, Harris highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for the besieged enclave.

 

"I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there, with over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity," Harris told reporters.

 

This meeting followed Netanyahu's address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress, where he claimed that the conflict in Gaza has one of the lowest ratios of combatant to non-combatant casualties in urban warfare history. Despite these claims, Harris emphasized the devastation observed over the past nine months.

 

"The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third, or fourth time. 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 declared.

 

Push for Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

Harris's remarks underscored a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Gaza, urging Netanyahu to finalize a ceasefire agreement. "Thanks to the leadership of our president, Joe Biden, there is a deal on the table for a ceasefire and a hostage deal… I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu it is time to get this deal done," she asserted.

 

The proposed three-phase deal includes a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza. "Let’s get the deal done so we can get a ceasefire to end the war. Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people," Harris added.

 

Commitment to Two-State Solution

Harris reiterated her support for a two-state solution, acknowledging the challenges but affirming it as the only path to lasting peace. "A two-state solution is the only path that ensures Israel remains a secure Jewish and democratic state, and one that ensures Palestinians can finally realize the freedom, security, and prosperity that they rightly deserve," she said.

 

Assurances of Israel's Right to Self-Defense

Despite her call for a ceasefire, Harris reassured Netanyahu of the U.S.'s commitment to Israel's security. "I told him that I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias, such as Hamas and Hezbollah," she noted.

 

Recounting her long-standing support for Israel, Harris condemned Hamas as a "brutal terrorist organization" responsible for the current conflict. "On Oct 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 innocent people, including 44 Americans," she stated.

 

As international condemnation of Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza mounts, with accusations of genocide and violations of a UN Security Council resolution, the humanitarian toll has been staggering. Local health authorities report nearly 39,200 Palestinians killed and over 90,400 injured, mostly women and children, amid widespread destruction and a crippling blockade.

 

The international community watches closely as diplomatic efforts intensify to halt the violence and bring relief to Gaza's beleaguered population.
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