Vice President Kamala Harris calls for ‘immediate cease-fire,’ urges Israel to increase aid

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to meet with Benny Gantz, a key figure in Israel’s war cabinet, at the White House today. A White House official stated Harris intends to affirm U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense while emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard civilians in Gaza.

This meeting follows Harris’s comments to commemorate the 59th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama, where she advocated for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, calling on Hamas to agree to a halt in hostilities and to release hostages from the October 7th attacks. According to the White House, Israel has agreed to the framework of a 6-week ceasefire deal, waiting for Hamas’ response.

In her Selma speech, Harris also criticized the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, urging the Israeli government to enhance aid distribution, saying, “People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act…and the Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses.”

Harris’ call for increased Israeli aid to Gaza came shortly after the U.S. airdropped assistance into the area and days following an incident where over 100 people were killed while approaching an aid convoy. Palestinian authorities accuse Israeli forces of firing on the crowd, while Israel claims the deaths were due to a stampede.

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