During a “frank and constructive” discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris emphasised the need for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Vice President Kamala Harris called for an urgent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas during a candid discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
During a “frank and constructive” discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris emphasised the need for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
She highlighted the plight of dozens of hostages taken by militants in Gaza since October 7.
AP reports that as attention focuses on the probable Democratic presidential nominee, Harris mostly echoed President Joe Biden’s enduring message, calling for a resolution to the devastating war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 39,000 Palestinians.
However, just one day after Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech to Congress where he defended the war, vowed "total victory" against Hamas, and briefly touched on cease-fire negotiations, she emphasised the urgency of the situation with a more forceful tone.
“Following my meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, I told reporters that there has been encouraging progress in the negotiations. As I emphasised to him, it’s time to finalise this deal,” Harris stated.
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu had separate meetings with Biden, who has been advocating for Israel and Hamas to reach a consensus on a U.S.-backed, three-phase plan. This plan aims to secure the release of remaining hostages and implement a prolonged cease-fire.
The White House stated that President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed "the need to bridge the remaining gaps, finalise the agreement promptly, secure the return of the hostages, and achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict in Gaza."
Biden and Netanyahu also addressed efforts to enhance the delivery of aid to Gaza and the persistent threat from Iranian-backed militant groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Harris noted following her meeting with Netanyahu that the conflict in Gaza involves complexities beyond merely choosing sides.
Harris said, "The conversation is frequently framed as binary, even though the reality is far more complex."
She also denounced the brutality of Hamas.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby reaffirmed the administration's stance that the militant group, responsible for the deaths of about 1,200 people on October 7 and the kidnapping of 250 from Israel, bears ultimate responsibility for the suffering in Gaza and must be held accountable by Israel.
Kirby noted that while the gaps between the two sides can be bridged, addressing the issues will necessitate both leadership and compromise.
Harris' strong remarks suggested that the administration was intensifying pressure on the Israelis to use the opportunity and finalise a deal.
“What has transpired in Gaza over the last nine months is heartbreaking. The images of deceased children and desperate, starving individuals seeking safety, often displaced multiple times, are harrowing,” Harris stated. “We must not turn a blind eye to these tragedies. We cannot become desensitised to the suffering. I refuse to remain silent.”
Thousands demonstrated against Netanyahu's visit to Washington, while Harris denounced those who engaged in violence or used rhetoric supporting Hamas.
Netanyahu, who last visited the White House during Donald Trump's presidency, will travel to Florida on Friday to meet with the Republican presidential nominee.