Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war, doubling down on pressure from the Biden administration as negotiations continue toward a six-week cessation of fighting.
“Given the scale of the suffering in Gaza, an immediate ceasefire is needed for at least the next six weeks, and one is currently being considered,” she said. Said In a speech in Selma, Alabama.
As negotiations with Hamas tense, President Biden has for weeks urged the Israeli government to agree to a six-week ceasefire.
The Israeli government on Saturday agreed to the framework for a proposed six-week ceasefire, a sign of progress in negotiations, the Associated Press reported.
Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli wartime Cabinet Secretary Benny Gantz at the White House on Monday to discuss cease-fire agreements and humanitarian aid. The New York Times reported.
The planned talks reportedly angered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who did not authorize the visit. era of israel.
In his speech, the vice president also called the situation in the war-torn region a “humanitarian catastrophe” and pressed the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating,” she said. “We are seeing reports of families eating leaves and animal products. Women are giving birth to malnourished babies with little medical care, and children are dying from malnutrition and dehydration. I am.”
He added that Israel has “no excuse” not to increase aid deliveries to Gaza.
The Biden administration has stepped up criticism of Israel in recent weeks over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, particularly after the killing of more than 100 civilians trying to receive aid on Thursday.
Mr. Biden faces increasing pressure from Democrats to seek a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the situation in the Gaza Strip worsens and the death toll of Palestinians in Israeli attacks exceeds 30,000.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, praised Harris’ statement Sunday but called on the Biden administration to follow suit in policy.
“The vice president called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent aid to Gaza,” Jayapal said. I wrote to X, formerly Twitter. “This is the first time the administration has used this word. It’s important. Now let’s back it up with a policy change.”
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