VP Harris stresses need for ceasefire in meeting with war cabinet member Gantz

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz at the White House on Monday evening, reiterating Washington’s call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. 

Harris condemned Hamas and reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself “in the face of ongoing Hamas terrorist threats.”

But Harris also repeated her calls for Israel to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and to “ensure its safe distribution to those in need.”

The two officials discussed Israel’s plan to launch a military operation in Rafah, where Hamas is believed to still have thousands of its members, with Harris stressing and the need for a “credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to contemplating any major military operation there given the risks to civilians.”

Gantz issued a statement after their meeting, thanking the U.S. for its continued support for Israel, and highlighting the need to “remove the threat Hamas poses to Israel, and finding a sustainable solution to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians and not terrorist Hamas.

The National Unity party leader’s meeting with Harris has caused a lot of stir in Israel, with Prime Minister Netanyahu said to fume over Gantz’s visit to Washington without his permission.

Gantz is flying to London after his visit to the U.S. where he will reportedly meed with Foreign Secretary David Cameron.