Kamala Harris, elected vice president of the United States. (Credit: Noah Berger/AFP/Getty Images)
The United States does not intend to relent in its efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and will continue to ''press'' Israel and regional countries in that regard, Vice President Kamala Harris said in excerpts aired Sunday from a television interview.
Washington is working on ''the need for an agreement that would free hostages and establish a ceasefire. And we will not stop pressing Israel and the region, including Arab leaders,'' the Democratic presidential candidate said at the White House on CBS's ''60 Minutes.''
The release of these interview excerpts, which will air in full on Monday, comes on the eve of the first anniversary of the Palestinian Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza.
When asked if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is listening, she responded that U.S. pressure has led to ''a number of shifts in this region from Israel,'' without elaborating.
''The real question is: do we have a significant alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? The answer to that question is yes,'' she added.
Referencing the recent Iranian attack against Israel last Tuesday, Harris emphasized ''the imperative to do everything in our power to enable Israel to defend itself against such attacks.''
Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel last Tuesday, most of which were intercepted with help from several countries, including the United States.
Israel, meanwhile, continues an intense bombing campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and has promised retaliation, raising fears of a regional escalation.
