Vice President Kamala Harris expressed concern over Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah during an exclusive interview with NBC News’s Andrea Mitchell at the Munich Security Conference today. “Israel has the right to defend itself. However, how it does so matters,” the Vice President emphasized.
She strongly condemned the brutal Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, denouncing the use of “rape as a tool of war.” Harris stressed the urgency of securing a hostage deal, stating that the US is actively working on it “around the clock.”
Regarding the situation in Rafah, where around 1.4 million people are currently trapped, many having fled attacks in northern Gaza, Harris expressed deep concern. She highlighted the need for immediate action, stating, “There are steps we need to take now.” Harris voiced worries about the plight of Palestinians in Rafah, emphasizing the importance of addressing their safety and well-being amidst escalating tensions.
In rare public criticism of Israel, David Satterfield, the Biden administration’s special Middle East envoy for humanitarian issues, raised concerns about Israel’s recent targeted killings of Gaza police commanders and its impact on aid distribution. Satterfield noted that the departure of police escorts following Israeli strikes has made it “virtually impossible” to distribute aid safely.
He highlighted the rise in criminal gangs targeting aid convoys due to the absence of security escorts and disruptions caused by Israeli protests at crossing points.
Despite Israeli officials not providing specific evidence of diversion or theft of U.N. assistance, Satterfield underscored the need for security escorts to ensure the continuity of aid delivery.
He emphasized the importance of finding solutions in collaboration with the Israeli government and military to address the challenges facing humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
