WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Vice President Kamala Harris met in Washington with Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet. The meeting comes a day after the vice president added her voice to the calls for Israel and Hamas to end the fighting.
“There must be an immediate ceasefire,” Harris said.
On Monday, the vice president made clear that the U.S supports Israel.
“Israel has a right to defend itself. We got to make sure that innocent civilians are not being killed,” she said.
But said again, negotiators need to reach agreement on a ceasefire.
“We’re in a window of time right now where we can actually get a hostage deal done,” Harris added.
The White House says the deal currently on the table would halt fighting for at least six weeks, free Israeli hostages, and allow aid workers to help innocent Palestinians in the region.
“Far too many Palestinian civilians, innocent civilians have been killed,” Harris said.
The State Department says many Palestinians are desperate for food, water, and other resources. Over the weekend, the U.S air-dropped 38,000 meals ready to eat into Gaza.
“The United States is focused on increasing and sustaining aid in Gaza through as many channels as possible,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) warns of a future where no ceasefire happens.
“58,000 more Palestinians dead within six months, if we don’t have a cease-fire. The President can get this done,” Khanna said.
The White House says Israel is on board with the latest offer and hopes Hamas will cooperate.
