Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 04:48 am
- U.S. Policy Shift
Washington: Presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday signaled that the United States is going to make a significant policy shift toward Gaza. Just after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris called for the sealing of a peace deal, underlining that she would not remain “silent” about the suffering in Gaza.
- Humanitarian Concerns
Whereas President Joe Biden has favored pressing privately for an end to the “devastating” war, Harris publicly called for an end to it.
- Meeting with Netanyahu
Harris, 59, had a frank meeting with the visiting Israeli Prime Minister and told him of grave concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, citing the extent of human suffering where thousands of innocents have lost their lives.
Harris also reiterated the need for a Palestinian state and prodded Israel and Hamas towards a ceasefire-hostage release deal.
- On the other hand, Biden’s approach
In sharp contrast, President Biden was playing the diplomat in the former’s latest meeting with Netanyahu-complete with pleasantries and reassurances of standing with Israel. However, problems have come out of the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu regarding the behavior of Israel in the conflict and the perceived slowdown in working out a peace deal.
- Hostages and Optimism for a Ceasefire
Biden also met with the families of Americans taken hostage in Gaza-who voiced cautious optimism about a new proposal for a ceasefire.
- Ongoing Conflict and Death Toll
While Biden has continued military aid to Israel since the Oct 7 Hamas attacks, relations with Netanyahu remain strained. The Hamas attack killed 1,197 in Israel, most of them civilians. In response, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
