REDRAFT

Kamala Harris’ Ceasefire Speech Was Toned Down by Administration Officials: Report

The original version was reportedly much more critical of Israel.

National Security Council officials toned down parts of a speech delivered by Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday in which she called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, according to a report. Sources told NBC News that the original draft of the speech had been more critical of Israel about the humanitarian crisis in the enclave created by the conflict with Hamas and addressed the pressing need for more aid to be delivered. Asked if the speech had been watered down when it was given to NSC officials for review, Harris’ Communications Director Kirsten Allen said: “That is inaccurate.” “The Vice President felt it was important to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, given recent developments, and to reiterate our Administration’s call on Hamas to accept the terms of the hostage deal,” Allen added in a separate statement to NBC News. Harris delivered the remarks in Alabama, saying “there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least six weeks” given “the immense scale of suffering in Gaza.”