What's happened
US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged the Israeli government to increase aid flow to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Her statements mark a shift in rhetoric within the Biden administration, which has faced criticism for its support of Israel amidst mounting human rights concerns.
Why it matters
Vice President Kamala Harris's calls for a ceasefire and increased aid in Gaza signal a shift in US policy towards the conflict. The Biden administration's response to the crisis has drawn criticism for its support of Israel while acknowledging the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Harris's statements could impact US-Israel relations and influence international efforts to address the conflict and provide aid to those affected.
What the papers say
The Guardian emphasizes the urgent need for action in Gaza, criticizing the US airdrops as insufficient relief. In contrast, The Independent reports on the toned-down remarks by the Biden administration prior to Harris's speech, highlighting the administration's evolving stance on the conflict.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza has been ongoing, with Israel leading a deadly bombing campaign and ground offensive in response to attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has raised concerns globally, with calls for immediate action to address the suffering of civilians and ensure the flow of aid into the territory.
More on these topics
-
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.