During a meeting with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House on Monday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris denounced the horrific terrorist attack on October 7 by Hamas and the kidnapping of hostages, including American citizens. According to a White House readout, Harris met with Gantz to push for a six-week cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas. Harris also emphasized Washington’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and expressed U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of ongoing terrorist threats from Hamas.
Harris pleaded with Hamas to adhere to the conditions of the deal, which called for the immediate implementation of a six-week cease-fire in exchange for the release of the captives and the opening of Gaza to a flood of humanitarian aid. She spoke on the latest disaster in northern Gaza, referring to it as a “horrific tragedy,” in which Palestinians swarmed an aid convoy seeking food supplies and were slain by Israeli forces. As the “famine spreads” to the north of the enclave, at least 16 children have perished from starvation in recent days, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Harris also talked about how urgent it is to get a hostage agreement. Prior to the meeting, she told reporters, “It is crucial that we all recognize that we are currently in a window of opportunity where we can actually accomplish a hostage deal.” “How this conflict ends matters; we all want it to end as soon as possible.” In addition, Harris and Gantz talked about Israel’s impending military assault in Rafah, the southern city of Gaza where more than a million people are seeking refuge. Before Israel decides to launch a significant attack against Hamas, she added, a workable humanitarian plan must be put into place there. She also voiced concerns about the potential risks such an operation might bring to civilians.
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