WASHINGTON. Vice President Kamala Harris called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite a cease-fire agreement with Hamas and secure the release of hostages held in Gaza since October 7. During a meeting on Thursday, Harris emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict that has claimed over 39,000 Palestinian lives.
In a “frank and constructive” discussion, Harris reiterated the U.S. stance that while Israel has the right to defend itself, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires immediate attention. “There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal,” Harris told reporters. “And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done.”
Earlier, President Joe Biden also met with Netanyahu, advocating for a U.S.-backed three-phase plan to release remaining hostages and establish an extended cease-fire. The White House stated that Biden and Netanyahu discussed closing gaps in the deal, improving aid flow into Gaza, and addressing threats from Iranian-backed militant groups.
Harris highlighted the complexities of the situation, noting, “Too often, the conversation is binary when the reality is anything but.” She condemned Hamas for its brutal actions and reinforced that the militant group, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages on October 7, must take responsibility for the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
Amid increasing pressure from both domestic and international critics, Harris underscored the need for decisive action. “What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety… We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies,” she asserted.
Netanyahu, who was met with protests during his Washington visit, defended Israel’s actions in a fiery speech to Congress, rejecting criticisms and pledging continued military efforts against Hamas. In response to protesters, Harris condemned pro-Hamas rhetoric and the burning of the U.S. flag, stating, “Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation.”
The Vice President’s meeting with Netanyahu was also a strategic move to showcase her capability as a potential future Commander-in-Chief, as she faces scrutiny from both political allies and opponents. Netanyahu is expected to continue discussions with U.S. officials, with the administration aiming to finalize the cease-fire deal and secure a long-term resolution to the Gaza conflict.
Following the talks, families of American hostages were assured by Biden and Netanyahu of a commitment to securing their release. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose family member is among the hostages, expressed renewed hope for progress, stating, “There is more reason today than in any time since the last round of hostage releases that something can happen.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
