Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war with Hamas over the release of Gaza hostages held since October 7, 2023.
In their “frank and constructive” talks, Harris expressed deep concern about the high death toll in Gaza during nine months of war and the “grave” humanitarian situation there.
While all eyes were on the US vice president, who recently endorsed Biden, Harris reiterated President Joe Biden's message that it is time to end the genocide in Gaza, which has left 39,000 Palestinians dead.
However, Harris struck a stronger tone about the urgency of the moment, AP reported.
“There is hopeful movement in the talks to get this deal done,” Harris told reporters shortly after the meeting with Netanyahu. “And as I just said to Prime Minister Netanyahu, it's time to get this deal done,” Harris told AP.
According to Harris, the Israeli war in Gaza is more complicated than just supporting one side or the other.
On Thursday, Netanyahu also met with Biden, who urged Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.
The White House said in a statement that Biden spoke with Netanyahu about “the need to close the remaining gaps, complete the deal as quickly as possible, bring the hostages home and put a lasting end to the war in Gaza,” AP reported.
They also held talks on improving the flow of aid to Gaza and the continuing threat posed by Iran-backed militant groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
