Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a powerful and urgent message on Sunday, calling for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza amidst escalating tensions. Speaking in Selma, Ala., Harris emphasized the need for both Hamas and Israel to agree to a six-week pause in hostilities and for Israel to ramp up aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

Harris’s remarks echoed President Biden’s recent efforts to broker a deal between the warring parties, but her tone was sharper and more urgent, reflecting the White House’s growing frustration with Israel’s response to the conflict. In particular, Harris highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, referring to the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe” that has resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine.

“What we are seeing every day in Gaza is devastating,” Harris stated. “We have seen reports of families eating leaves or animal feed. Women giving birth to malnourished babies with little or no medical care. And children dying from malnutrition and dehydration. As I have said many times, too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.”

She emphasized the urgent need for an immediate cease-fire to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, urging both parties to come to the negotiating table and agree to a temporary truce. Harris also reiterated the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, which she labeled as a “brutal terrorist organization” that needs to be eradicated.

As political tensions surrounding the conflict continue to rise, Harris’s call for a cease-fire comes at a critical juncture. President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel has faced criticism from within his own party, with some key constituents expressing dissatisfaction with his handling of the situation. Harris’s remarks are likely to resonate with Black, young, and Arab voters who have been vocal in their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In addition to her call for a cease-fire, Harris also condemned the violent incident that occurred in Gaza on Thursday, where desperate Gazans clashed with Israeli forces over aid supplies. She called for Israel to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza by lifting restrictions and reopening borders to ensure that the people of Gaza receive the assistance they desperately need.

Overall, Harris’s impassioned plea for peace and humanitarian aid underscores the pressing need for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza. Her message serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of diplomacy in resolving international disputes.