US vice president’s call for peace in Gaza sparks controversy with Israel

Israeli officials have taken issue with US Vice President Kamala Harris following her call for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Harris made the comments at a press conference after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting mounting international pressure on Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

In her statement, Harris emphasized the urgent need to conclude the conflict, citing the significant suffering caused by the fighting. “There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal,” she noted, adding, “It is time to get this deal done.”

In contrast, Netanyahu has advocated for increased US military support for Israel, suggesting that such aid would be crucial in restoring peace in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

An unnamed Israeli official expressed concern that Harris’ comments might be seen by Hamas as a sign of a rift between the U.S. and Israel, potentially complicating efforts to finalize a ceasefire agreement.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party nominee for the upcoming election, have both advocated for a swift end to the conflict that erupted in October following a Hamas-led attack on Israel.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump later on July 26. Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leaders of two hardline religious nationalist parties crucial to Netanyahu’s coalition, have criticized Harris' remarks. "Madam candidate, there will be no cessation of hostilities," Ben-Gvir wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Harris’ comments were notably more assertive compared to Biden’s approach. While Biden has urged Netanyahu to finalize an agreement with Hamas to halt the fighting and secure the release of Israeli hostages, Harris’ remarks indicated a growing frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. She emphasized, "We cannot allow ourselves to be numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," while also defending Israel’s right to self-defense.

Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, spreading terror throughout the country. The carnage triggered a fierce response from Israel, whose military launched massive retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip. Since then, the Palestinian enclave of 2.3 million inhabitants, under Israeli blockade since 2007, has been living under bombardment, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.