‘Immediate Ceasefire’: US Vice President Kamala Harris Rebukes Israel, Tells Hamas to Accept Deal

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday bluntly called out Israel for not taking major steps to contain the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza. The remarks come as US President Joe Biden, who is seeking reelection, faces growing calls from the left of the Democratic Party to rein in US’ close ally as its war against Hamas in Gaza continues.

Her remarks also come after Israel boycotted Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday. Hamas also rejected the demand for a complete list naming the hostages that are still alive. “Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let’s get a ceasefire. Let’s reunite the hostages with their families. And let’s provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza,” Harris said.

The remarks were also made from a historically significant location – the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama is the place where state troopers (state police) beat Black American civil rights activists, who were marching demanding equal voting rights. The incident came to be known as the “Bloody Sunday”.

Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept a deal to release hostages in return for a 6-week cessation of hostilities. However, the bulk of her remarks were directed towards Israel.

Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz on Monday at the White House, where she is expected to deliver a similarly direct message, according to a report by Reuters.

“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,” Harris said at an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Alabama. Her remarks appeared to be the sharpest rebuke yet by a senior leader in the US over the conditions in the Palestinian territory.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that it is necessary to expand the flow of aid into Gaza for the civilian population. “It is imperative that we expand the flow of aid into Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation. People urgently need more food, water, and other assistance. That’s why the US is working to get more aid through every available channel, including air drops,” Blinken said, highlighting the mission launched by the US to airdrop aid packages into Gaza.

Harris’ comments also display the intense frustration the left-wingers within the Democratic Party are feeling as Biden struggles to contain Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which Gazan authorities (backed by Hamas) claim has taken over 29,000 lives, mostly women and children.