Kamala Harris' statement on Gaza: I will not be silent

United States (US) Vice President Kamala Harris, who is widely expected to be the Democratic Party's nominee in the November 2024 elections, stated after her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that she "will not be silent about the suffering in Gaza." Officials from the Israeli government harshly criticized these remarks by Harris.

In a statement following her meeting with Netanyahu, who is visiting the US capital, Washington, Harris said, "I will not be silent about the dire situation in Gaza," and continued as follows: 

'IMAGES OF DESPERATE AND HUNGRY PEOPLE'

"What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. These are images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety for the second, third, or fourth time."

Harris' remarks resonated widely in both Israel and the US. While the US media described the statements as "sharp," there was backlash against Harris in Israel. 

Pointing to Biden's three-phase ceasefire and hostage exchange plan, Harris stated that the war in Gaza must end. Harris also noted that she told Netanyahu it is time to implement this ceasefire plan.

'I WILL NOT BE SILENT IN THE FACE OF SUFFERING'

Recalling the attacks launched by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Harris described Hamas as a "brutal terrorist organization" that committed "horrific acts of sexual violence."

While Harris stated that Israel has a right to defend itself, she emphasized that how it defends itself also matters. Noting that one cannot turn a blind eye to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, Harris said, "We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent."

As debates continue over whether the statement Harris made following her meeting with Netanyahu signals a departure from U.S. President Joe Biden's Israel policy, it has been suggested in the Israeli media that Harris has harmed ceasefire negotiations.  

Speaking to Israeli media, senior Israeli diplomats expressed surprise at Harris's public remarks. There is speculation that Harris may have made reaching a consensus on a hostage deal more difficult. Reports in the Israeli media stated that officials said, "We hope that Harris's statement will not make it harder to reach a hostage deal by creating the impression of a disagreement between Israel and the U.S."

News Source: 12punto