The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is significantly impacting President Joe Biden’s administration and his prospects for reelection. Recent events, such as the Michigan primary, underscore the extent of the issue, with a notable 13% of Democrats choosing “uncommitted” in their party affiliation. Despite repeated calls for a ceasefire from activists, the president has declined to pursue such action.
Vice President Kamala Harris journeyed to Selma, Alabama, on March 3 to deliver a speech marking the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when civil rights activists marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to advocate for voting rights. In her address, Harris urged for an instant cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
VIDEO: @VP Harris calls for “an immediate ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war during speech in Selma. @livenowfox pic.twitter.com/szpOl07dyT
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowTV) March 3, 2024
Harris described the situation in Gaza as a severe humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the ongoing devastation witnessed in the region. She highlighted reports of families resorting to consuming animal feed and leaves for sustenance, and Palestinian women giving birth to malnourished babies without adequate medical assistance. Additionally, she noted the tragic deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration.
The vice president said “Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.”
The death toll in Gaza has exceeded 30,000 people, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry. Many of those who have died are civilians, including women and children. However, it’s important to note that the health ministry in Gaza is administered by Hamas officials, and they do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Furthermore, accurately tallying the number of casualties is challenging due to the chaotic conditions of warfare.
The vice president continued to concentrate her attention on Hamas rather than Israel, despite the fact that her call for a ceasefire was novel. The government, according to her, is steadfast in its support of the safety of Israel.
Following her speech in Selma, Harris had a meeting with Benny Gantz, an Israeli war cabinet member. The vice president underlined the significance and necessity of Israel reaching a hostage agreement with Hamas at the private discussion. According to reports, the terrorist group is still detaining scores of individuals whom its militants abducted on October 7.
A White House report of the meeting indicated Harris conveyed her serious worry about the humanitarian realities in Gaza and the recent murders of civilians who were trying to collect food from an aid convoy. The vice president informed Gantz that more action needed to be taken by his government to work with the US and other nations to boost humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
