On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris openly criticized Israel for not doing more to stop a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. As pressure to restrain the close partner of the Biden administration grows, it is fighting Hamas terrorists.
Addressing the crowd at the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where state troopers had beaten American civil rights protesters almost sixty years ago, Harris urged Hamas to accept a compromise. She specifically called for a six-week cease-fire in Gaza, proposing the release of captives as part of the agreement.
However, the majority of her remarks focused on Israel. This marked the most severe criticism of the situation in the coastal enclave yet from a senior 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 declared.
Her remarks exposed a significant amount of discontent, if not desperation, among American officials regarding the war. This has hindered President Joe Biden’s chances of winning reelection this year among left-leaning voters.
According to Harris, Israel must provide more border crossings, refrain from placing “unnecessary restrictions” on the supply of aid, guard against attacks on humanitarian workers and convoys, and restore essential services. Furthermore, Israel needs to uphold law and order to ensure that “more food, water, and fuel can reach those in need.”
On Saturday, the United States executed its first-ever airdrop of aid into Gaza. Additionally, during their meeting at the White House on Monday, Harris is expected to convey a similarly forceful message to Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz.
On Sunday in Cairo, Israel withdrew from Gaza ceasefire negotiations, citing Hamas’s rejection of its demand for a comprehensive list of the names of the hostages who are still alive. Subsequently, the Israeli daily reported this development.
“Hamas claims it 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.”
‘FIGHT FOR FREEDOM IS NOT OVER’
After reaching her conclusion on the Middle East, Harris, the first Asian American and Black woman to hold the position of No. 2 to the commander in chief, transitioned to discussing the events of Selma. She then delved into the ongoing efforts to combat racial inequity.
“Today we know our fight for freedom is not over,” she stated. Harris cited legislation in several states that prohibit ballot drop boxes and restrict early voting. In Georgia, it is also unlawful to provide food and water to voters in line, according to the cited laws. “Because in this moment we are witnessing a full-on attack on hard fought, hard won freedoms, starting with the freedom that unlocks all others: the freedom to vote,” Harris said.
At the beginning of their tenure, Biden assigned Harris to lead the administration’s efforts to expand voting rights. However, the initiative primarily failed due to insufficient votes in Congress to enact new laws on the subject.
In 2024, Joe Biden, the current President, is expected to run against former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump aims to reverse the outcomes of the 2020 election that Biden won, and Biden has stated that democracy will be on the ballot.
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