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Vice President Kamala Harris made a resolute call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during remarks delivered in Selma, Alabama on Sunday. Harris emphasized the urgent need to halt the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, referring to the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe.”
In her statement, Harris stressed the immense suffering experienced in Gaza, urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities, specifically proposing a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks. Her remarks underscored a growing sense of urgency within the Biden administration to address the escalating conflict.
President Joe Biden has faced mounting pressure to intervene and demand a ceasefire in the five-month-long war, which erupted following Hamas militants’ incursion into southern Israel on October 7. The toll of the conflict has been devastating, with approximately 1,200 people killed and 250 taken hostage by Hamas. Tragically, over 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during the course of the war.
During her appearance in Alabama, Harris also called attention to the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for increased flow of humanitarian aid into the region. She highlighted the stark reality of people in Gaza facing starvation and living in inhumane conditions, stressing the moral imperative to take action.
However, Harris also emphasized the importance of addressing the threat posed by Hamas to the people of Israel. While advocating for humanitarian aid and ceasefire, she maintained the stance that measures to eliminate the threat from Hamas must also be pursued.
The Biden administration has been actively engaged in brokering a ceasefire agreement, with reports indicating that Israel has tentatively agreed to a six-week ceasefire, contingent upon the release of hostages. Despite these developments, Hamas has yet to consent to the terms of the proposed ceasefire.
President Biden has expressed hope for the establishment of a ceasefire before the commencement of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, set to begin on March 10. Additionally, the U.S. initiated humanitarian aid efforts by conducting airdrops into Gaza, following a deadly incident where over 100 Palestinians were killed while awaiting food supplies in Gaza City.
U.S. Air Force C-130 cargo planes, in collaboration with Jordan’s air force, conducted airdrops of essential humanitarian aid into Gaza, providing over 38,000 meals along the Gaza coastline. These efforts aimed to ensure that vital resources reach those in need and mitigate the challenges associated with ground-based aid delivery, including looting.
Overall, Vice President Harris’s remarks underscored the pressing need for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Her call for a ceasefire, coupled with efforts to deliver humanitarian aid, reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and mitigating the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.