Happening now, Vice President Kamala Harris is meeting with Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz. The high-level talks come as the U.S. pushes Israel to agree to a temporary ceasefire with Hamas. Before the meeting, the Vice President shared a message emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself while expressing concern for the loss of innocent Palestinian lives and the urgent need for humanitarian aid and hostage release.
The meeting between Vice President Harris and Benny Gantz is crucial amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, marked by a deepening humanitarian crisis. The U.S. has initiated airdrops of essential supplies, including food, to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. President Biden has called for an immediate six-week temporary ceasefire as part of ongoing efforts to secure a hostages deal.