US VP Harris says she won’t remain silent on Gaza sufferings after Netanyahu meeting

Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to speak out against the suffering in Gaza, marking a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Thursday, Harris expressed a deep concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the plight of civilians affected by the conflict.

Harris reaffirmed her unwavering support for Israel’s security but criticized the ongoing violence, stating, “What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety are heart-wrenching.” She emphasized that the U.S. cannot ignore these tragedies and vowed not to remain silent about the suffering.

The Vice President urged Netanyahu to consider a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, advocating for a resolution that ensures Israeli security, the release of hostages, and an end to the suffering of Palestinians. “It is time for this war to end in a way where Israel is secure, all the hostages are released, and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination,” Harris said.

Harris also reiterated support for Israel’s right to self-defense and condemned Hamas as a “brutal terrorist organization.” She named five U.S. citizens believed to be held by Hamas and two others whose remains are believed to be in Gaza. Harris stressed that she and President Biden are actively working to secure their release.

Her comments are seen as a nuanced stance, balancing strong support for Israel with a call to address Palestinian suffering—a departure from President Joe Biden’s more reserved approach. This shift in rhetoric could be a strategic move to address divisions within the Democratic Party, especially among progressive and Muslim-American voters, crucial for the upcoming election.

Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane noted that Harris’s emphasis on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is more pronounced compared to Biden’s back-channel efforts. “She talked about the number of starvations, people who are food insecure, and those who have had to relocate multiple times,” Culhane said, highlighting a focus on the plight of Palestinians often underrepresented in U.S. media.

Harris, who has a long history of strong support for Israel dating back to her Senate tenure and early presidential campaign, now faces scrutiny for her recent remarks. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, acknowledged Harris’s overall positive record but noted concerns over her statements about Gaza.