The Vice President's remarks, delivered during a speech in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday, represent the most potent critique of Israel's actions since the Hamas attack on October 7 by a high-ranking member of the Biden administration.
The Vice President's comments came just a day before her scheduled meeting with a top Israeli official to discuss a potential ceasefire agreement and a day after the US initiated air dropping aid to the beleaguered nation.
"Before I begin, I must address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza," Harris stated. "What we are witnessing every day in Gaza is devastating." She underscored the "immense scale of suffering" in the war-ravaged nation, asserting that "there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks."
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"This will facilitate the release of hostages and allow a significant amount of aid to enter. This will enable us to construct something more enduring to ensure Israel's security and respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom, and self-determination," Harris added.
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Her comments diverge from President Biden's more cautious approach, as he grapples with balancing the US's role as an ally to Israel and the escalating international outrage over its bombing of Gaza.
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Retaliatory airstrikes since October 7, when Hamas first attacked Israel, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 30,000 Palestinians. The initial Hamas attack resulted in 1,139 Israeli deaths and 240 hostages.
Addressing reports of starvation among Gazans, Harris referred to United Nations warnings that the territory is dangerously close to famine. Israel has been accused of blocking aid to Gaza, and last week, hundreds of starving Palestinians were met with gunfire when they attempted to obtain aid from a food truck.
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"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 said. "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."
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Harris delivered her speech at the Edmund Pettus Bridge during an event commemorating the 59th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday.' This historic 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. The incident became a tipping point in the civil rights struggle after images of the violent scenes were disseminated around the country and the world, garnering sympathy for the cause.
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The Vice President's 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 to discuss a ceasefire agreement - a move which is said to have incensed his chief political rival, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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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.
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Biden's emphatic support for Israel has begun to dwindle in the face of an international outcry about Israel's conduct. However, just last week, he stated he hoped a deal could be reached to secure a ceasefire by Monday, while on Friday he reiterated the US' commitment to providing aid.
On Saturday, US cargo planes air dropped 38,000 meals to Gaza as part of a wave of assistance planned for the besieged nation. Biden 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. Biden narrowly took the state from Trump in 2016.
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.
Harris' comments were criticized by South Carolina GOP Senator Tim Scott. "Hamas started this war with an unprovoked attack on Oct 7. Hamas violated the last ceasefire. The only thing Hamas can be trusted to do is commit acts of terror," he said. "Calling for a ceasefire - without even a list of remaining hostages - undermines Israel and panders to terrorists."
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