The draft of Vice President Kamala Harris' Sunday speech calling for a ceasefire in Gaza was originally much more critical of Israel before it was toned down, multiple U.S. officials told NBC News.
Harris said Sunday that an “immediate ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war is needed for at least the next six weeks to free the remaining hostages in Gaza. The draft of Harris' speech reportedly included sections with harsher language toward Israel about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need to provide aid to the region. , current and former officials said. Said NBC. (Related: Kirby furious at reporter suggesting US is funding both sides of Gaza war)
Harris' initial speech also reportedly criticized Israel for the need to transport aid by truck across the Gaza border, two U.S. officials told NBC. Ms Harris' office denied that her speech had been toned down to be less harsh, calling such claims “inaccurate”.
Kirsten Allen, Harris' communications director, told NBC: “In light of recent developments, the vice president wants our government to address the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and force Hamas to accept the terms of the hostage deal.'' I felt it was important to call out.”
The draft has been sent to the National Security Council (NSC) for consideration, which is standard procedure for foreign policy-related speeches and announcements, multiple U.S. officials told NBC. Officials made the edits just before Harris spoke on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when civil rights protesters were assaulted by police.
BREAKING: 🇺🇲 US Vice President Kamala Harris says Gaza residents are starving, calls for immediate ceasefire as part of hostage release agreement pic.twitter.com/d0vNp5yvhw
— Mega Geopolitics (@MegaGeopolitics) March 3, 2024
A Harris official told NBC that Harris decided to bring up the Israel-Hamas war during her speech after President Joe Biden mentioned the ceasefire a few days ago.
“Given the scale of the suffering in Gaza, an immediate ceasefire is needed for at least the next six weeks, and that is currently on the table,” Harris said. Said during her speech. “Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Now, there's a deal on the table. And as we said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let's have a ceasefire. Hostages. Let's reunite them with their families. And let's provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza.”
Israel is currently negotiating a temporary ceasefire agreement with Hamas through Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries in the United States. according to In the Washington Post. The current proposal reportedly includes a six-week cease-fire and the release of several Palestinian prisoners of war, in exchange for the release of more “vulnerable” hostages such as female, elderly and women held in Hamas captivity; This includes providing aid to Gaza. People who are medically at risk.
The Washington Post said Israel chose not to send a delegation to Egypt for negotiations this week until Hamas revealed the number of hostages it held and their identities.
Biden administration official: “The framework exists'' Said on a background press call on Saturday. “The Israeli side basically agreed to the elements of the deal. And now the ball is in Hamas' court.”
Start of Ramadan on March 10th is considered unofficial deadline This is to secure a temporary ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials are warned If no deal is reached by then, they plan to launch a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city.
The NSC did not respond to requests for comment.
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