Vice President Kamala Harris has commented on Israel's military operation against Hamas, saying that Israel has the right to defend itself but must also be mindful of civilian casualties. American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being partially responsible for the recent murders of hostages by Hamas.
Vice President Kamala Harris has stated that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas, but urged the country to be mindful of civilian casualties. Her comments come amid ongoing airstrikes between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
"We absolutely and unequivocally condemn the launching of rockets and other forms of attacks from Gaza into Israel," Harris said during a press conference in Washington, D.C. "Israel has the right to defend itself."
Kamala Harris on Israel's Strikes: Mind Civilians
However, Harris also emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, saying that "all parties must do everything in their power to prevent harm to innocent civilians."
"We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians in Gaza," she added. "We urge all parties to take all possible measures to protect civilians and to adhere to international humanitarian law."
Kamala Harris on Israel's Strikes: Mind Civilians
The United States has been a strong supporter of Israel's right to self-defense, but has also urged both sides to de-escalate the violence and pursue a diplomatic solution.
American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being partially responsible for the recent murders of hostages by Hamas.
Kamala Harris on Israel's Strikes: Mind Civilians
Weingarten made the accusation in a post on social media, in which she responded to a statement from United States ambassador to Israel Jack Lew on the murders.
"Our hearts are breaking for the families of the hostages Hamas murdered," Weingarten wrote. "At the same time anger must be placed at Netanyahu’s feet for his refusal to consummate cease fire/ hostage release deal."
Weingarten's accusation has drawn criticism from some pro-Israel groups, who argue that it is unfair to blame Netanyahu for the actions of Hamas.
The White House has condemned the murder of the hostages by Hamas.
"We are heartbroken and outraged at the news that Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages were killed in the hands of Hamas," said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement. "We will not rest until all of the hostages are home."
Sullivan also called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.
Hamas has vowed revenge for the deaths of its members in Israeli airstrikes.
"We will not rest until we avenge the blood of our martyrs," said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem. "We will target Israel with all our might."
The increased violence has raised fears of a wider conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The international community has called for an end to the violence between Israel and Hamas.
"We are deeply concerned about the ongoing escalation of violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories," said a statement from the United Nations Security Council. "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and to take steps to de-escalate the situation."
The United States has also called for a de-escalation of violence, and has urged both sides to pursue a diplomatic solution.
"We believe that the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace is through negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians," said a statement from the State Department. "We urge both parties to return to direct negotiations as soon as possible."
The ongoing violence has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations reports that over 2,000 Palestinians have been killed, and thousands more have been injured.
The violence has also damaged or destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals.
The United Nations has called for an immediate end to the violence and for the international community to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Biden administration has called for an immediate de-escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas.
"We urge all parties to take steps to de-escalate the situation and to protect civilians," said a statement from the White House. "We believe that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians."
The Biden administration has also announced that it will provide $150 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
* The ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas is the worst in years.
* The United States is the main provider of military aid to Israel.
* The United States is also the largest donor of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians.
* The Biden administration has said that it is committed to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
