Israeli official criticizes Kamala Harris for her comments on ‘dead children’ in Gaza

An Israeli government official criticized US Vice President Kamala Harris for speaking out about the plight of the Palestinians – the death toll is estimated at over 39,000 civilians – and calling for a quick end to the war in Gaza, arguing that such comments would only delay a ceasefire.

Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, expressed concern about the war after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday.

The unnamed Israeli official claimed Harris’ comments could be misinterpreted by Hamas as evidence of a rift between the US and Israel, “thus pushing a deal further away,” Reuters reported.

In her remarks after meeting Netanyahu, Harris said: “What has happened in Gaza over the last nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for their lives, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time,” the Guardian reported. “There is hopeful progress in the talks to reach agreement on this deal and as I just said to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done.”

The Vice President recognized Israel’s right to self-defense and condemned Hamas as a dangerous terrorist organization. He said it was important how Israel intends to defend itself. “We cannot look away from these tragedies (in Gaza),” Harris said. “We cannot become insensitive to the suffering, and I will not be silent.”

On Wednesday, Netanyahu called for more US military aid to Israel, claiming it was the best way to restore peace in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, The Guardian reported. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting around the world as critics of the Israeli prime minister – including the hostages’ families – accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons.