US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate halt to the conflict in Gaza, increasing the pressure on Israel, an important US ally, as its military action continues in the Palestinian territory. On Sunday, Harris made what is considered the most assertive statement yet by a member of the US administration, amid efforts to establish a ceasefire before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which is about a week away.
High-level talks are taking place in Cairo, involving envoys from the United States, Qatar, and Hamas, discussing terms for pausing the five-month-long conflict. According to a senior US official, Israel has tentatively agreed to the ceasefire terms, which include increased aid and an exchange of prisoners for Israeli hostages.
Despite general agreement, several issues remain unresolved. Hamas is demanding a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which has been heavily damaged during the conflict. Harris, commenting on the situation, remarked, “Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table.” She criticized Israel for not allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza, adding that the conditions there were “inhumane” and people were suffering from starvation.
The call for a ceasefire has gained urgency as aid deliveries have been met with tragedy and convoys have been unable to reach families facing acute food shortages. Following the United Nations’ warnings of potential famine in Gaza, the US began airdropping food rations on Saturday, joining Jordan and other countries in these efforts.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized on social media the critical need to “expand the flow of aid into Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation.”
Harris and Blinkin are scheduled to meet with Israeli official Benny Gantz in Washington on Monday to discuss the ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and increasing aid to Gaza.
The conflict has persisted despite the push for a ceasefire, with additional air strikes reported in southern Gaza. The death toll since the conflict began last October includes numerous women and children, with the latest victims being twin babies. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has cited over 30,000 fatalities, with many taken hostage.
An incident involving an aid truck being struck by an Israeli strike has also been reported, with witnesses recounting the chaos and casualties resulting from the attack. The Israeli military has denied that the struck vehicle was carrying aid.
The recent violence around aid convoys has drawn international condemnation, with world leaders calling for inquiries into the incidents. The UN Security Council has expressed concern over the severe food insecurity in Gaza and has called for unhindered humanitarian assistance.
During Sunday prayers, Pope Francis joined the calls for a ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.
Meanwhile, talks of a truce continue, with Hamas seeking the inclusion of significant daily food, medicine, and fuel deliveries in the ceasefire agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected proposals for troop withdrawal until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are released. Israel has not yet announced plans to participate in the Egypt talks and has requested a full list of captives from Hamas.
