WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR: M.J.
US Vice President and potential Democratic presidential contender Kamala Harris has vowed to "not be silent" about the suffering in Gaza, saying she expressed "serious concerns" to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and told him it was time to conclude a ceasefire deal fire.
"Israel has the right to defend itself, and how it does so is important. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating," Harris, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters after meeting with Netanyahu in Washington.
She added that when she says devastating she thinks of "images of dead children and desperate hungry people, fleeing to safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time".
"We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to suffering and I will not remain silent," she continued.
Harris' comments provided the clearest explanation yet of her views on the conflict as she works to balance an issue that has not only divided the country but caused friction within the Democratic Party.
Harris also echoed Biden's repeated comments about America's "ironclad support" and "unwavering commitment" to Israel, but conveyed a view of the importance of ending the war.
Recalling the details of the proposed US-backed cease-fire and hostage agreement, Harris said "it is time for this war to end, in a way where Israel is safe, all the hostages are freed, the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can achieve their right to freedom, dignity and self-determination".
The vice president says that there is hope for ending the war in the talks and that she urged Benjamin Netanyahu to do so during his visit to the US.
"As I just said to Prime Minister Netanyahu, it's time for this deal to end," she said, adding, "So to all those who have been calling for a ceasefire and to all those who yearn for peace, I see you and I hear you."
