US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed “serious concerns” about the humanitarian situation in Gaza during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. Her remarks came amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In a candid address to the press, Harris highlighted the severe impact of the conflict on Gaza’s civilian population. “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent,” Harris stated. She described the scenes from Gaza as “devastating,” citing “dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time.”
The Vice President’s comments reflect a more outspoken stance compared to President Joe Biden, who earlier in the day met with Netanyahu at the White House. The discussions between Biden and Netanyahu primarily focused on the US-Israeli relationship amid the ongoing conflict. Despite Biden’s emphasis on achieving peace, ending hostilities, and securing the release of hostages, Netanyahu has resisted calls for a cease-fire.
Harris, who is seeking to succeed Biden, took the lead in addressing the media about her meeting with Netanyahu. She urged Israel to facilitate the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza and stressed the importance of preventing further civilian casualties. “I expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians,” Harris said.
During the meeting, Netanyahu acknowledged the long-standing support of the US for Israel, referencing his “50 years of public service and support for the state of Israel.” He looked forward to continued cooperation with Harris and the Biden administration on pressing issues. In a nostalgic moment, Biden humorously recalled their early interactions, saying, “I was only 12 then.”
The meeting was attended by other senior US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Their presence underscored the significance of the discussions as the US administration navigates the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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