US VP Kamala Harris demands ‘instant halt’ to Gaza conflict

US Vice President Kamala Harris calls for a six-week cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and criticized Israel’s aid delivery to Gaza

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris urged for an immediate six-week cease-fire agreement to be embraced in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict while also rebuking Israel for the inadequate delivery of assistance to Gaza. 

During a speech in Selma, Alabama, Harris emphasized the urgent need for a temporary halt to hostilities, specifically mentioning the current proposal. Her statements marked the most forceful stance taken by a U.S. government official regarding Israel since the conflict began, as President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure concerning his stance on Israel and the escalating civilian casualties in Gaza. 

A high-ranking U.S. official disclosed on Saturday that Israel had agreed to the proposed agreement, contingent on Hamas releasing the most vulnerable hostages it holds in exchange for a six-week cessation of hostilities. 

Harris advocated for the acceptance of this agreement by Hamas, highlighting that it would facilitate the release of hostages and enable a substantial influx of aid into the region. 

In a departure from diplomatic conventions, Harris called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration to significantly enhance aid delivery to Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of expediting the process with no unwarranted delays. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed similar sentiments in a social media post, stressing the critical need to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the dire circumstances faced by its residents. 

Harris is scheduled to hold discussions with Benny Gantz, a key figure in Israel’s war cabinet, in Washington on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to engage with various Israeli officials on the Gaza conflict and post-conflict strategies. 

Expressing concern over the loss of innocent lives, Harris underscored the tragic events that unfolded during an aid convoy incident, where Palestinians seeking essential supplies were met with violence and disorder. She emphasized the imperative of addressing the threat posed by Hamas to Israel’s populace. 

Delivering her address at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a historic site associated with the civil rights movement, Harris drew parallels between the struggles for justice and equality, underscoring the need to confront injustices and uphold fundamental rights. 

Source: AFP