VICE PRESIDENT
Sen. Kamala Harris -- the second most powerful person in the United States. (Photo: REUTERS/Jim Bourg)

Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire with Hamas to facilitate the return of hostages held in Gaza since October 7. Harris, who is poised to be the Democratic presidential nominee, emphasized the urgency of the situation during a meeting with Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday.

"We are close, we just have to finish it," Harris told reporters after her meeting. She described their conversation as "frank and constructive," reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself but also expressing deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over the past nine months, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 39,000 Palestinians.

Harris's stance aligns with President Joe Biden's long-standing call for a ceasefire. The administration has proposed a U.S.-backed three-phase plan to release hostages and establish an extended ceasefire. Harris's remarks come just a day after Netanyahu's fiery speech to Congress, where he vowed "total victory" against Hamas and made scant mention of ceasefire negotiations.

"What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time," Harris said. "We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. And I will not be silent."

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that the militant group Hamas, responsible for the deaths of around 1,200 people on October 7 and the kidnapping of 250 individuals, ultimately holds responsibility for the suffering in Gaza. He emphasized that closing the gaps between Israel and Hamas would require leadership and compromise.

 

Netanyahu's visit to Washington has sparked significant protests. Thousands demonstrated against him, some resorting to violence and pro-Hamas rhetoric. Harris condemned the violent acts and the desecration of the American flag by protesters. "Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation," Harris stated.

Netanyahu, who had not been at the White House since former President Donald Trump's administration, thanked Biden for his decades of service and support for Israel. "From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel," Netanyahu said.

The meeting between Harris and Netanyahu is seen as an opportunity for Harris to demonstrate her capability to serve as commander in chief. She faces scrutiny from both the political left, who criticize Biden for not exerting more pressure on Netanyahu to end the war, and from Republicans who question her support for Israel.

Harris's advocacy for Israel is well-documented. Her first overseas trip as a senator was to Israel in 2017, and she has consistently supported pro-Israel resolutions and maintained ties with various pro-Israel groups.

Following their discussions, Biden and Netanyahu met with families of American hostages. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, expressed optimism after the meeting, citing an "ironclad commitment" from Biden and Netanyahu to secure a deal.

Netanyahu, while dealing with internal political pressures, faces demands from hostage families for a ceasefire and from far-right coalition members who oppose any deal that could prevent the complete elimination of Hamas. In his address to Congress, Netanyahu robustly defended Israel's actions and lashed out at international accusations of war crimes.