U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said Israel in its war with Hamas “must do more to protect innocent civilians.” The vice president noted in remarks to reporters at the United Nations climate conference that Israel is within its rights to defend itself after the brutal Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, yet the U.S. ally must do so in accordance with international law.
Quick Read
- U.S. Vice President’s Statement: Kamala Harris emphasized that Israel, while having the right to defend itself, must do more to protect innocent civilians and adhere to international humanitarian law. She expressed concern about the large scale of civilian suffering in Gaza.
- Italian Naval Ship’s Humanitarian Role: An Italian naval ship, Vulcano, anchored off Egypt, has started providing medical assistance to civilians affected by the war. The ship received its first patient, a girl, though details about her condition were not disclosed.
- Pope Francis’ Call for Peace: Pope Francis described the end of the Israel-Hamas truce as “painful,” leading to death, destruction, and misery. He expressed hope for a new cease-fire and urged for solutions beyond the use of weapons, advocating for “courageous paths of peace.”
The Associated Press has the story:
US VP Harris calls scale of civilians suffering in Gaza ‘devastating’
Newslooks- DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said Israel in its war with Hamas “must do more to protect innocent civilians.”
The vice president noted in remarks to reporters at the United Nations climate conference that Israel is within its rights to defend itself after the brutal Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, yet the U.S. ally must do so in accordance with international law.
“As Israel defends itself, it matters how,” Harris said. “The United States is unequivocal: International humanitarian law must be respected. Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. Frankly, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating.”
ITALIAN NAVAL SHIP RECEIVES FIRST PATIENT
ROME — An Italian naval ship, anchored off Egypt, has received its first patient as part of the Italian government’s commitment to care for civilians needing medical assistance in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Italian defense ministry, in a post on social medium platform X, quoted Defense Minister Guido Crosetto as saying that a girl was the first person to receive treatment aboard the ship, Vulcano. No details were given about her medical condition.
The ship’s facilities include operating rooms.
POPE CALLS FOR ISRAEL AND HAMAS TO FOLLOW ‘COURAGEOUS PATHS OF PEACE’
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has called the end of the truce in the Israel-Hamas “painful.”
“That means death, destruction and misery,” the pontiff said in remarks read for him by an aide because he has bronchitis.
The pope, noting that many hostages are still held in Gaza, said “Let’s think of them, of their families, who had seen a light, a hope of embracing again their loved ones.”
He also lamented the lack of basic necessities of life in Gaza. “I hope that all who are involved can reach as soon as possible a new accord for a cease-fire and find solutions that are different than weapons, trying to follow courageous paths of peace.”
