NEW YORK: United States Vice President Kamala Harris has urged for an ‘immediate’ halt to hostilities in Gaza while delivering an uncommon criticism of Israel.
“On account of the vast extent of suffering in Gaza, an immediate ceasefire for a minimum duration of six weeks is imperative, as currently proposed,” stated US Vice President Kamala Harris.
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“This action will facilitate the release of hostages and ensure the substantial influx of aid,” remarked Harris.
In one of the most stringent condemnations of Israel to date by the administration of US President Joe Biden, Harris emphasized that Israel should take further steps to facilitate the delivery of aid.
This includes the opening of new border crossings and refraining from imposing “unnecessary restrictions”.
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“People in Gaza are facing starvation, enduring inhumane conditions that demand urgent action,” Harris expressed during a speech commemorating the violent repression of civil rights demonstrators in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965.
“The Israeli government must take additional steps to substantially enhance the delivery of aid. There can be no excuses,” asserted Harris.
Harris also commented on Thursday’s tragic incident, where over 100 Palestinians lost their lives while attempting to access food aid in Gaza City, lamenting that “far too many innocent Palestinians have perished”.
“We deeply mourn for the victims of that dreadful tragedy,” she expressed.
Harris also challenged Hamas to accept the terms of a ceasefire deal that US officials say has been broadly accepted by Israel.