Vice President Kamala Harris has made a powerful call for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, denouncing the “inhumane” conditions that people in the region are facing. Harris, who was in Selma, Alabama to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, has been closely monitoring the unfolding crisis in Gaza and has been involved in post-conflict planning for the enclave. Her remarks on Sunday mark one of the strongest pushes by a US official to address the situation in Gaza.
“The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses,” Harris stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Her comments come at a critical time in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the vice president expected to meet with Benny Gantz, a key member of the Israeli War Cabinet, in Washington. The US continues to advocate for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Harris expressed deep concern for the people of Gaza, describing the devastating conditions they are enduring. Reports of families resorting to eating leaves or animal feed, malnourished babies being born without proper medical care, and children dying from malnutrition and dehydration have deeply affected her. She emphasized that the situation is a humanitarian catastrophe, with people in Gaza suffering from starvation and inhumane conditions.
Echoing President Joe Biden’s call for a six-week ceasefire, Harris urged Hamas to agree to the ceasefire proposal that is currently on the table. She stressed the need to reunite hostages with their families and provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza. The vice president received cheers from the crowd as she called for an end to the suffering.
In an effort to address the crisis in Gaza, the United States and Jordan air-dropped humanitarian aid into the region on Saturday. While senior administration officials considered it a successful effort, they acknowledged that more needs to be done. This includes ensuring that land crossings are available for sending further assistance to Gaza, as well as exploring the possibility of a maritime corridor for aid delivery.
Amidst her focus on the Gaza crisis, Harris also touched on the ongoing challenges faced by Americans in terms of civil rights. Speaking at the site of the historic civil rights movement moment, Bloody Sunday, she drew a direct connection to present-day issues such as reproductive rights and voting rights. Harris warned that Americans’ freedoms were once again at risk due to “extremist” Republican efforts to restrict these rights. The vice president emphasized the importance of fighting for freedom and justice, urging people to use their voice, feet, and votes to shape the kind of country they want to live in.
Harris’ visit to Selma marked her fifth participation in the annual civil rights pilgrimage. Reflecting on the struggles of the past, she highlighted that the fight for freedom is not over. The vice president called attention to ongoing efforts to curb voting rights, reproductive rights, and the need for comprehensive gun control measures.
In this critical moment, Harris has taken a stand for humanitarian aid in Gaza while also reaffirming her commitment to civil rights and justice. Her forceful calls for action demonstrate the US government’s dedication to addressing urgent humanitarian crises and protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens.
