‘I will not be silent’: Kamala Harris presses Netanyahu over humanitarian situation in Gaza

Kamala Harris questions Netanyahu on Gaza humanitarian crisis, signaling potential policy shift if she becomes president.

Kamala Harris sharply pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday about the humanitarian situation in Gaza in “frank” talks that were watched for signs of how she might shift American policy about Israel if she becomes president.

“Israel has a right to defend itself. And how it does so matters,” Ms. Harris told reporters after the meeting. She said she raised her serious concerns about the scale of human suffering in Gaza.

“I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there,” she said. “I will not be silent.”

Ms. Harris’ remarks, which were sharp and serious in tone, reflected what could be a shift from President Joe Biden in how she deals with Mr. Netanyahu.

Hours earlier, Mr. Biden pressed for a ceasefire to the 9-month-old war in Gaza in his first face-to-face talks with Netanyahu since the president traveled to Israel days after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and pledged American support.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said gaps remain between Israel and the Hamas militants who run the Palestinian enclave in the drive for a ceasefire but “we are closer now than we’ve been before.”

“Both sides have to make compromises,” Mr. Kirby said.