(SELMA) US Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip for “at least six weeks”.
“Given the level of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks that is currently on the negotiating table between Israel and Hamas,” Mr.me Harris during a speech commemorating a civil rights rally in Selma, Alabama.
“It will free the hostages and provide a substantial amount of aid,” he added, calling on Hamas to accept the deal.
“Hamas says it wants a ceasefire. Well, there's a deal on the table. As we said, Hamas must accept this deal. »
Mediators – Qatar, the US and Egypt – brokered a six-week ceasefire in the fighting and the release of 42 of the 130 Israeli hostages – 31 of whom are believed to have died – still being held in Gaza against Palestinians. By Israel.
A senior US official in Washington had earlier assured that the Israelis had “accepted in principle elements of the agreement”.
Kamala Harris issued an even stronger criticism of Israel from a senior US official, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to step up aid to Gaza.
“The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase aid flows. There are no excuses,” the vice president said.
He added that Israel should “open new crossing points” and “not impose unnecessary restrictions on aid”.
