Vice President Kamala Harris downplayed the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to broker a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, stating that "close" attempts were "meaningless" until a final agreement is reached. Harris emphasized the ongoing suffering and need for hope amid the conflict.
Vice President Kamala Harris has dismissed praise for her administration's unsuccessful efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, asserting that without a concrete resolution, any progress remains "meaningless." In an interview with Stephen Colbert on "The Late Show," Harris faced questions regarding the administration's proximity to a successful ceasefire.
"We've been told that a ceasefire deal was very close several times," Colbert asked. "What does that mean? What does 'close' mean?"
Harris Dismisses Praise for Failed Ceasefire Efforts in Israel-Hamas War
"Close means that a lot of the details had been worked out but details remained," Harris replied. "There has been some progress but it is meaningless unless a deal is actually reached."
Harris emphasized her reluctance to accept praise for "getting close at times to a deal," acknowledging the tragic loss of life in the conflict. "The reality of it is 1,200 people [were] massacred, there are still hostages being held in Gaza. I've met with the families of hostages both who are alive and who have died. I've met with families of Palestinians who have been killed, innocent people who have been killed in Gaza."
Harris Dismisses Praise for Failed Ceasefire Efforts in Israel-Hamas War
"There is pain, pain and suffering that is happening in that region of the world, and we must work, and the United States must work and not lose hope and not throw up our hands around the role we must play in urging and seeking and building toward a resolution," Harris said.
Harris stressed the critical role of hope and faith in achieving a successful peace deal. "We must always retain some level of faith in what is possible in terms of shining a light on a moment of darkness," she said.
Harris Dismisses Praise for Failed Ceasefire Efforts in Israel-Hamas War
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's acceptance of the Biden administration's ceasefire framework, efforts have stalled. On October 1, Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the administration's "stronger" foreign policy, even as Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Harris emphasized the need for unwavering efforts to secure a resolution. "We're not going to give up," she said.
