VP Harris Urges Immediate Ceasefire, Calls for Increased Aid to Gaza Amidst Humanitarian Crisis
Last Updated on March 4, 2024 1:21 pm
March 4, 2024 – U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has made a compelling call for an immediate six-week ceasefire in Gaza, demanding that Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, agrees to the proposed deal. In a powerful statement, Harris also urged the Israeli government to take significant steps to boost aid deliveries into Gaza, where a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding, impacting innocent lives.
Addressing the dire situation, Harris stated, “Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire. There is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let’s get a ceasefire.”
Expressing concern over the inhumane conditions in Gaza, she emphasized the urgency of increased aid flow, insisting, “People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act. The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses.”
Hamas and Israel have been engaged in discussions in Cairo, with hopes that this round of talks could pave the way for a truce. However, there are reports that Israel boycotted the talks after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list of hostages who are still alive.
The United States has been actively involved in pushing for a ceasefire deal, with indications that Israel has agreed to a framework deal. A potential agreement could bring the first extended truce in the five-month conflict, with the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
While the U.S. has expressed optimism about the ceasefire deal being close, challenges remain, and the situation is still fluid. Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz is scheduled to meet with VP Harris at the White House on Monday, followed by a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Tuesday. Additionally, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein will visit Beirut on Monday to address efforts to de-escalate the conflict along the Lebanese-Israeli border. The international community is closely monitoring these diplomatic efforts amid ongoing tensions in the region.