Topline
Vice President Kamala Harris shared details from her conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, telling reporters there has been “hopeful movement” in the negotiations to secure a cease-fire and hostage deal that would mark the end of war between Israel and Hamas, which has dragged on for more than nine months.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin … [+]
Key Facts
Harris said the cease-fire deal would be split into two phases—the first of which would involve a full cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from population centers in Gaza, while the second phase would entail Israel’s military withdrawing from Gaza entirely.
The vice president also said Israel has a right to defend itself but noted “how it does so matters.”
Harris expressed concern for Israeli American hostages who remain captive in Gaza and said she raised her concern with Netanyahu about the deaths of innocent civilians in Gaza and the more than 2.5 million people within the region who are experiencing food insecurity.
“I will not be silent,” Harris said, referring to the “tragedies” and “suffering” in Gaza, where more than 39,000 people have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
The vice president said she remains “committed to a path forward that can lead to a two-state solution,” which is a proposed solution for ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict via the establishment of two states for Jewish people and Palestinians, respectively.
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Crucial Quote
“A two-state solution is the only path that ensures Israel remains a secure, Jewish and democratic state and one that ensures Palestinians can finally realize the freedom, security and prosperity that they rightly deserve,” Harris said.
Key Background
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began more than nine months ago, when Hamas invaded multiple areas of southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking more than 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Sixty-three hostages died on the invasion day or during the months since, with 111 hostages believed to still be in Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Israel retaliated not long after with an invasion of Gaza and has continued military operations in the region, where more than 39,000 have been killed and where the United Nations has issued a famine alert.
Further Reading
Protesters Removed From Netanyahu’s Speech To Congress (Forbes)
Who Is Skipping Netanyahu’s Congress Address? Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi And Other Big Names (Forbes)
