Kamala Harris just called for a six week ceasefire in Gaza today because of the ‘immense scale of suffering in Gaza’ and the ‘inhumane’ situation.
Here’s more from Axios:
Vice President Kamala Harris said on Sunday that “people in Gaza are starving” and called for “an immediate ceasefire” as part of a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
Harris’ remarks were the Biden administration’s most comprehensive recognition of the suffering in Gaza and strongest appeal for a ceasefire.
They come as the Biden administration urgently pushes for a ceasefire and hostage deal before the holy month of Ramadan begins on March 10.
“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next 6 weeks. This is what is currently on the table,” she said, urging Hamas to accept such a deal.
“What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating. We have seen reports of families eating leaves and animal feed, children dying from malnutrition and dehydration. Too many innocent Palestinian have been killed,” Harris said.
Harris called the situation in Gaza “inhumane” and “a humanitarian catastrophe” and said “our common humanity compels us to act.”
She demanded the Israeli government do more to facilitate the flow of significantly more aid.
“No excuses. They must open new border crossings and not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid. They must ensure humanitarian convoys are not targeted and restore basic services and order in Gaza so more food, water and fuel can reach those in need.”
She also criticized Hamas and said the group can’t continue to control Gaza.
“They have shown no regard for innocent lives including to the people of Gaza… the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated,” Harris added.
Harris is going to meet on Monday at the White House with Benny Gantz, a senior member of the Israeli war cabinet, to discuss the situation in Gaza and the proposed hostage deal.
Call me cynical, but this call for a ceasefire is aimed more at unhappy Democrats here than at the Palestinians in Gaza. The SOTU is coming next week and the Biden administration is desperately trying to appease the part of their party that is unhappy about Biden’s perceived support for the war ahead of his speech. That’s why they announced humanitarian aid drops. That’s why Kamala is calling for a six-week ceasefire. It’s all an attempt to get votes.
Also, why does it always sound like Israel is to blame for the situation in Gaza when someone in the Biden administration is speaking?