Harris Urges Netanyahu to End Gaza War and Secure Hostage Release

Vice President Kamala Harris has issued a strong call for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, aiming to end the nine-month-long war in Gaza and secure the return of hostages held by the militants since October 7. In a statement on Thursday, Harris described her conversation with Netanyahu as “frank and constructive,” reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense while voicing grave concerns over the escalating death toll and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Harris emphasized the urgency of reaching an endgame to the brutal conflict, which has claimed the lives of over 39,000 Palestinians. While she echoed President Joe Biden’s ongoing message about the need for resolution, her remarks carried a more forceful tone, particularly following Netanyahu’s impassioned speech to Congress where he defended the war and pledged “total victory” against Hamas with minimal mention of cease-fire negotiations.

“There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal,” Harris told reporters after she met with Netanyahu. “And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done.”

Netanyahu also met with President Biden earlier in the day. Biden has been advocating for Israel and Hamas to finalize a U.S.-backed, three-phase deal aimed at releasing the remaining hostages and establishing an extended cease-fire.

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