Harris on Gaza war: I will not be silent
Nahost-Politics is a sensitive topic in the USA. Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Harris meets now with Prime Minister Netanyahu and expresses support for Israel. However, she also says: "We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering."
In the USA, US Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, in a televised statement after her conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. "It's time to end this war," Harris said in her statement following personal talks with Netanyahu.
In the conversation with Netanyahu, Harris expressed her "deep concern over the extent of human suffering in the Gaza Strip." This includes the death of "too many innocent civilians" and the catastrophic humanitarian situation. "We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become insensitive, and I will not be silent."
The people in the USA urged Harris to keep in mind the complexity of the conflict and the history of the region. Terrorism and violence must be condemned, she said. "Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians. And let us condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate of all kinds."
Harris emphasizes "unwavering commitment" to Israel
The conversation with Netanyahu was described by Harris as open and constructive. She also reaffirmed her "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security. "Israel has the right to defend itself. It comes down to how it does it," Harris said. Although she usually supports Israel's right to self-defense as Vice President alongside Biden, she made it clear that she has no patience for Israel's military actions.
Thanks to the leadership of US President Joe Biden, an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages is on the table, Harris continued. There are "promising developments in the talks," she said. "And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu: It's time to bring this agreement to fruition."
Biden met with Netanyahu on Thursday as well. The White House only reported on the conversation that Biden had urged Netanyahu to close the gaps for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, remove obstacles for humanitarian aid, and protect the civilian population during military operations.
For months, negotiations have been underway about a ceasefire. From US government circles, it is said that the parties are closer to an agreement on a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of women, as well as sick, elderly, and wounded hostages by Hamas. Netanyahu will meet Harris' Republican rival Donald Trump at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida on this Friday.
Despite the sensitivity of Middle East politics, Harris urged for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, stating, "It's time to end this war." She expressed her deep concern over the humanitarian crisis, noting, "We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies." Additionally, Harris reaffirmed her support for Israel's right to self-defense, but emphasized the importance of protecting innocent civilians, saying, "It comes down to how it does it."
