The Biden administration has faced significant backlash from the leftover its handling of the Israel-Hamas war. While many conservatives feel President Joe Biden has not been vigorous enough in his defense of Israel following a terrorist attack almost five months ago, pro-Palestine activists in his own party have turned against him in increasing numbers.
Story of the night in the Michigan primary: huge number of Democratic primary voters are picking “uncommitted” to register their disapproval with Joe Biden’s policies in Israel. If the 2024 election were tonight, Trump would win Michigan comfortably. Biden’s in big trouble there.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 28, 2024
Without directly referencing the criticism, Vice President Kamala Harris signaled a subtle shift in policy this week during remarks in Selma, Alabama, in commemoration of the civil rights demonstration that became known as “Bloody Sunday.”
In addition to advocating for increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, she also signaled support for an “immediate ceasefire,” which has been the stated goal of leftists since early on in the conflict.
Of course, Harris couched her comments in opposition to the terrorist group responsible for the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
“The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated,” Harris said. “And given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table.”
Israel has indicated that it is willing to participate in the temporary ceasefire as part of a proposed agreement that would also secure the release of some or all of the estimated 130 hostages still being held in Gaza. Hamas, on the other hand, has not stated whether it would agree to the terms as of the latest updates available.
Members of the audience cheered when Harris signaled her endorsement of a ceasefire, though she went on to put the onus for such an arrangement on Hamas.
“Well, there is a deal on the table,” she said. “And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let’s get a ceasefire. Let’s reunite the hostages with their families. And let’s provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza.”
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has been a vocal proponent of a ceasefire and recently called on Biden to address the issue at his upcoming State of the Union address.
“Of course, my hope would have been, and continues to be, we should have accomplished a ceasefire by now,” she said last week.
