U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (front center) walks across the Edmund Pettus Bridge during an event commemorating the 57th anniversary of the 1965 Bloody Sunday Civil Rights March in Selma, Alabama, U.S., Sunday, March 6, 2022. ) and other participants.
Andy Rice | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Vice President Kamala Harris called for a ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday to mark the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when law enforcement officers attacked civil rights activists crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
Harris gave an 18-minute speech at a vigil on the bridge commemorating the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. On March 7, 1965, police beat his 600 demonstrators with sticks and sprayed them with tear gas as they marched across the bridge in support of voting rights.
Harris acknowledged the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Israel-Hamas war, before praising activists such as Amelia Boynton and John Lewis.
While condemning Hamas, Harris called on the Israeli government to increase aid to Gaza. On Saturday, the U.S. military completed the first air drop of humanitarian aid to Gaza following President Joe Biden’s approval last week.
Harris also acknowledged negotiations for a ceasefire in the region and said she and Biden are “unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security.”
“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks is necessary, and that is currently being considered,” Harris said.
Harris echoed remarks made by Biden last week, saying the United States would continue to provide aid to Gaza through airlift and possible sea routes.
“The people of Gaza are starving, the environment is inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act,” Harris said.
She also praised the work of civil rights activists and compared their fight for freedom to modern-day threats to freedom, such as gun violence and voting rights.
“The challenges we face today are no different than those faced by those 600 brave souls 59 years ago,” Harris said.
