United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that she was “deeply concerned” about the deaths in Gaza and called on Netanyahu to reach a peace deal.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the pain, and I will not be silent.” Harris, who Desire to succeed Joe BidenNews agency AFP said this in its report.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets President Joe Biden Kamala Harris met Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday to discuss US-Israel relations amid tensions over the Gaza conflict and took the lead in addressing the public about their discussions.
Harris, while being more outspoken than Joe Biden on the issue of civilian casualties in Gaza, called on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and underlined the importance of avoiding further civilian casualties in Gaza.
The meeting followed President Biden’s Oval Office address, where he emphasized that establishing peace in Gaza, ending the fighting between Israel and Hamas, and ensuring the release of hostages are among his top priorities for the remaining six months of his term. Despite these efforts, Netanyahu has resisted Biden’s call for a ceasefire.
Recalling their long relationship, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “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. And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues that face us.”
Recalling that first meeting, Joe Biden jokingly said, “I was only 12 years old then.”
Other US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, also attended the meeting.
(With inputs from AFP, AP)