Kamala Harris tells Israel ‘no excuses’ as she calls for more aid into Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reprimanded Israel for not doing enough to allow aid into the area.

“People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane and our common humanity compels us to act,” she said at an event to mark “Bloody Sunday” in Alabama.

“The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses,” she added.

She said Israel must open new border crossings, not impose “unnecessary restrictions” on aid delivery, protect humanitarian personnel and convoys from becoming targets, and work to restore basic services and promote order so that “more food, water and fuel can reach those in need.”

“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table,” Harris said.

Ms Harris also urged Hamas to accept a deal to release hostages in return for a six-week ceasefire, which is currently being negotiated in Cairo, Egypt.

“Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal,” she said.

Talks have been underway to broker a cease-fire before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

However Israel was reported to have boycotted the talks on Sunday after Hamas rejected its demand for a complete list naming hostages that are still alive, according to Israeli media.

Israel’s government is also waiting for answers on how many Palestinian prisoners Hamas seeks in exchange for each, the Associated Press reported.

Ms Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz on Monday at the White House, where she is expected to deliver a similarly direct message.

However an official from Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right Likud party said Gantz’s trip was planned without authorization from the Israeli leader.

Benny Gantz is a centrist political rival who joined Netanyahu’s wartime Cabinet following Hamas’ 7 October attack.

A Likud official told the AP Netanyahu had a “tough talk” with Gantz and told him the country has “just one prime minister.”

The meeting also comes as friction between the US and Netanyahu is rising over how to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and what the postwar plan for the enclave should look like.

With agencies