On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to facilitate a Gaza ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians, adopting a firmer stance than President Joe Biden. In a televised address following her meeting with Netanyahu, Harris stated, "It is time for this war to end," emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after nine months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Harris, poised to be the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden announced his withdrawal from the election race, expressed her determination not to ignore the ongoing suffering. She indicated that her administration might adopt a tougher approach toward Netanyahu if she is elected president on November 5, although analysts doubt significant changes in U.S. policy towards Israel, a key Middle Eastern ally.
The conflict, which began on October 7 with Hamas's attack on southern Israel, has resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 250 captives. Israel's counterattacks have led to more than 39,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread displacement, famine, and shortages of emergency aid in Gaza. Biden previously encouraged Netanyahu to expedite a ceasefire and facilitate aid flow.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Harris's Republican opponent, Donald Trump, on Friday in Florida. U.S. officials believe progress has been made towards a six-week ceasefire, with Hamas potentially releasing women, sick, elderly, and wounded hostages. Harris emphasized the urgency of finalizing this deal.
As Vice President, Harris has supported Israel's right to self-defense but recently criticized its military strategy, highlighting the need for humane conduct. In March, she criticized Israel for not mitigating the humanitarian crisis during its Gaza offensive and suggested potential consequences if Israel launched a full-scale invasion of Rafah.
The Democratic Party is divided over the Gaza conflict, with protests at Biden events and declining support among Arab Americans, which could impact the 2024 election. Harris addressed these concerns, encouraging Americans to understand the region's complexities and advocating for a ceasefire. Biden's decision to support Harris's candidacy was influenced by a desire for party unity against Trump. Harris has closer ties to Democratic progressives, some of whom have called for conditions on U.S. arms supplies to Israel due to the high Palestinian civilian casualties.
Biden and Netanyahu recently met with families of American hostages held by Hamas, who also support a ceasefire. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is a captive, expressed urgency in reaching an agreement.