Biden and Netanyahu discuss hostages as Harris urges ceasefire
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Israeli Prime Minister met with Vice President Kamala Harris. "I will not be silent," said Harris, who is likely to be the Democratic Party's candidate in this year's presidential election.
On Thursday, Joe Biden met with Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting followed a day after the Israeli Prime Minister addressed Congress, announcing victory over Hamas. Simultaneously, thousands of people were protesting on the streets against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
At a press conference, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby said that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the urgent need for an agreement to release hostages, the potential for the conflict to spread to Lebanon, the threat from Iran, and the need to reach "compromises" in peace talks.
Kamala Harris, who also spoke with the Israeli president, presented a sharper stance. After face-to-face talks at the White House, the vice president emphasized that it was time to end this war. Concurrently, after the meeting with Netanyahu, Harris stressed that Israel can count on support from America.
Israel has a right to defend itself. And how it does so matters — said Harris, as quoted by the BBC.
Kamala Harris declares: "I will not be silent"
The Vice President also expressed her concern about the tragic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. "We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," said Kamala Harris. She emphasized that everything must be done to achieve a ceasefire and peace.
The likely Democratic candidate stressed that Israeli hostages must be brought home and also bring relief to the Palestinian people. The BBC points out that Harris's firm stance on Israel could bring her substantial benefits in the elections. It was noted that the strong support for Israel by Biden has angered many leftist activists, whose support the Democrats may need if they want to win the November presidential elections.
