After meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, US Vice President Kamala Harris said that Israel has the right to defend itself but what matters is how it does so. After Joe Biden withdrew his candidature from the Democratic Party, Kamala Harris has now joined the race for this post.
Speaking to the media after meeting Netanyahu, Kamala Harris said, ‘I have said it many times, but it is important to repeat it. Israel has every right to defend itself and how it does so matters. Hamas is a cruel terrorist organization. Hamas started this war on October 7 when it killed 1200 innocent people including 44 Americans. Hamas committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 people hostage. American citizens are also among those held captive in Gaza.
Millions of people struggling with food insecurity
During her meeting with Netanyahu, Harris said she expressed with the prime minister her grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the deaths of many innocent civilians.
He said, ‘I expressed my concern about the serious humanitarian crisis there. More than 20 lakh people are struggling with food insecurity and five lakh people are facing alarming levels of severe food insecurity. What has happened in Gaza in the last 9 months is devastating. Kamala Harris said, ‘Pictures of dead children and desperate, hungry people, who are running to save their lives. We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies. I will not remain silent.
‘It’s time to end this war’
Harris said a deal for a ceasefire and hostage-taking is on the table. The first phase of the agreement will see a complete ceasefire, which will also include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s population centres. In the second phase, Israeli forces will completely withdraw from Gaza, bringing a permanent end to the hostilities.
He said, ‘Now the time has come to end this war. This will end in a way where Israel will be safe, all hostages will be released and the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza will end.