Kamala Harris’ Blunt Gaza Words Reflect Intense Government Frustration Over War

Sydney OkaforMarch 4, 2024

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris makes virtual remarks from the South Court Auditorium at the White House Complex in Washington, U.S., during the Generation Equality Forum in Paris, June 30, 2021. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris openly criticized Israel on Sunday for not doing more to stop a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza as pressure to restrain the close partner of the Biden administration grows as it fights Hamas terrorists.
Speaking in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where state troopers beat American civil rights protesters over sixty years ago, Harris urged Hamas to accept a compromise that would free captives in exchange for a six-week cease-fire in Gaza.
However, she focused the most of her remarks on Israel in what seemed to be the most severe criticism of the situation in the coastal enclave yet from a top U.S. government official.

“People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act,” Harris said at an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Alabama. “The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses,” Harris said.

Her comments reflected intense frustration, if not desperation, within the U.S. government about the war, which has hurt President Joe Biden with left-leaning voters as he seeks re-election this year.

Harris said Israel must open new border crossings, not impose “unnecessary restrictions” on aid delivery, protect humanitarian personnel and convoys from becoming targets, and work to restore basic services and promote order so that “more food, water and fuel can reach those in need.”

The United States carried out its first air drop of aid in Gaza on Saturday and Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz on Monday at the White House, where she is expected to deliver a similarly direct message.

Israel boycotted Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages that are still alive, according to an Israeli newspaper.

“Hamas claims its wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal,” Harris said. “Let’s get a ceasefire. Let’s reunite the hostages with their families. And let’s provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza.”