Kamala Harris breaks from Biden and calls Gaza Strip a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ and said a ceasefire must happen to end the ‘suffering’

Vice President Kamala Harris has broken with President Biden to call for ‘an immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza.

Her comments, made during a speech in Selma, Alabama on Sunday, are the strongest condemnation of Israel’s conduct by the Biden administration to date.

They came just a day before she is due to meet with a top Israeli official to discuss a potential ceasefire deal and days after Biden said he ‘hoped’ an agreement could be reached by Monday.

‘Before I begin I must address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,’ Harris said. ‘What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating.’

Citing the ‘immense scale of suffering’ in the war torn nation, she stressed ‘there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks’.

Harris branded the situation in Gaza a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ as she pushed a for a ceasefire for ‘at least the next six weeks

Harris addressed crowds as she stood at the Edmund Pettus Bridge during an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’ in Selma, Alabama

 ‘This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid in. This will allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is secure and to respect the right of Palestinian people to dignity, freedom and self-determination,’ Harris said.

Her comments mark a departure from the more cautious approach so far favored by President Biden, as he struggles to strike a balance between the US’ role as an ally to Israel, with growing international outrage over its bombing of Gaza. 

Around 30,000 Palestinians are estimated to have died in retaliatory airstrikes since October 7, when Hamas first attacked Israel killing 1,139 and taking 240 hostages.

She addressed reports that Gazans are currently starving, following warnings from the United Nations that the territory is perilously close to famine.

Israel has been accused of blocking aid to Gaza and last week hundreds of hungry Palestinians were met with gunfire when they attempted to obtain aid from a food truck.

‘Our hearts break for the victims of that horrific tragedy and for all the innocent people in Gaza who are suffering from what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe,’ Harris added.

‘The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act. The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses.’

Harris addressed crowds as she stood at the Edmund Pettus Bridge during an event to commemorate the 59th anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’ in the city.

Biden said that he ‘hoped’ a ceasefire deal could be reached by Monday. Harris’ comments are the strongest condemnation by his administration to date

Around 30,000 Palestinians are estimated to have died in retaliatory airstrikes since October 7, when Hamas first attacked Israel killing 1,139 and taking 240 hostages

The UN has warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine with thousands of people currently suffering from malnutrition

The civil rights protest saw marchers cross the bridge and clash with state police who used batons and tear gas to disperse them on March 7, 1965. 

Harris’ speech was met with cheers and rapturous applause from the audience.

It came the day before she is due to meet  Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz at the White House as Washington seeks to reach a deal for a temporary ceasefire and increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Harris added that ‘a deal is on the table’ as she urged Hamas to accept it.

‘Let’s get the ceasefire. Let’s reunite the hostages with their families. And let’s provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza,’ Harris said.

Israel boycotted ceasefire talks in Cairo on Sunday after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages that are still alive, according to an Israeli newspaper.

Biden had previously stated he hoped a deal could be reached to secure a ceasefire by Monday. 

He was under immense pressure ahead of the Michigan primary on Tuesday to try and win back votes among progressives and young people who had become disillusioned over his support for Israel.

Michigan has the highest percentage and number of Arab Americans in the United States with more than 211,000 or 2.1 percent.

While he managed to clinch the win, a sizeable portion of votes returned ‘uncommitted’ following a vigorous campaign by pro-Palestine activists, sparking fears for his chances in November.