Biden and Harris Face Pressure to Toughen Stance on Israeli-Hamas War

President Biden and Vice President Harris are under increasing pressure from progressives to take a harder line on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. However, Harris has so far declined to say whether she would halt weapons shipments to Israel if elected president.

President Biden and Vice President Harris are facing mounting criticism for their handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, with progressives urging them to take a tougher stance against Israel.

Biden has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement, but his efforts have been unsuccessful. Last week, he said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to secure a hostage deal.

Biden and Harris Face Pressure to Toughen Stance on Israeli-Hamas War

Harris has also expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself, but she has declined to say whether she would halt weapons shipments to the country if she were elected president.

The United Kingdom on Monday paused some arms shipments to Israel over concerns that they could be used to violate international law. The decision has put pressure on the Biden administration to follow suit.

Biden and Harris Face Pressure to Toughen Stance on Israeli-Hamas War

Some progressives are calling for a more forceful response from the United States, including a suspension of arms sales to Israel.

Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said that the Harris campaign may be open to a "new direction" on Israel policy.

Biden and Harris Face Pressure to Toughen Stance on Israeli-Hamas War

"I think they are open to looking at this in a different way," Khanna said.

The Harris campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

The Israeli-Hamas war has been going on for nearly a year, and it has taken a heavy toll on both sides.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, some 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.

Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hamas militants.

The war has also caused widespread destruction in Gaza.

The United Nations estimates that more than 50,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged.

The Biden administration has provided $26 billion in arms assistance to Israel and aid for Gaza.

The president has said that he is "very close" to securing a hostage deal that all sides could agree to.

However, such a deal has evaded negotiators for months.

The war is a major challenge for the Biden administration, and it is likely to continue to be a source of tension between the United States and Israel.