Vice President Kamala Harris is calling for an “immediate” cease-fire in Israel’s war against Hamas.
During a speech in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday, Harris said the “threat [that] Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated.”
“And given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next 6 weeks, which is what is currently on the table,” she added.
Loud cheers broke in the crowd following her call for a cease-fire.
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HARRIS: "Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease fire for at least the next 6 weeks, which is what is currently on the table." pic.twitter.com/kAvKr1UG41
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 3, 2024
She went on to say a cease-fire would “get the hostages out” and “get a significant of aid in.”
“This would allow us to build something more enduring, to ensure Israel is secure, and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self determination,” she continued. “Hamas claims it wants a cease-fire, well there is a deal on the table, and as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let’s get a cease-fire, let’s re-unite the hostages with their families, and let’s provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza.”
Harris’ comments come as the U.S. and other countries began airdropping humanitarian aid into Gaza after over 100 people were killed last week as chaos broke out while they were trying to get aid.
The United Nations estimates one quarter of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are facing starvation.
Israel is reportedly planning to launch an invasion of Gaza’s southern most city, Rafah, as it aims to degrade Hamas capabilities following its Oct. 7 attack that left roughly 1,200 people dead.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation in Rafah would lead to a “total victory” over Hamas.
But the planned assault comes amid increased pressure for a cease-fire deal. Last week, President Joe Biden told reporters he believed a cease-fire deal was “close” but “not done yet,” still he expressed optimism a deal could be reached by this week.
