Live Updates: US, UK vow firm stand on Israel's security, Gaza truce deal

Saturday, September 14, 2024

6:20 GMT — US, UK vow firm stand on Israel's security, Gaza truce deal

US President Joe Biden and UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reiterated their ironclad commitment to Israel's security, while calling for a ceasefire deal that they said will free the hostages and enable increased relief in Israel-blockaded Gaza, a White House statement said.

Both leaders called for the need for Israel to do more to protect civilians and address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

They also condemned Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea — raids that the Yemeni group says will stop when Israel ends its genocidal war on the besieged Palestinians of Gaza.

05:22 GMT — In US, South Africa's top diplomat calls for solidarity with Palestine

South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has called for global solidarity with Palestine.

"We continue to call on the collective conscience of the global community to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine… to call Israel to stop the genocide that is currently unfolding" in Gaza, Lamola said at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

"We will continue to do so, despite threats that come from across the globe, because we believe we are standing on principles," he added.

04:30GMT — Harris faces anti-genocide protesters in rally

US Vice President Kamala Harris' speech in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, faced interruption from protesters opposing US support for Israel's genocidal war in Gaza.

Demonstrators in the US have for months demanded an end to the war and restrictions on shipments of weapons to Israel. Harris reiterated her support for a ceasefire and hostage rescue deal.

"Now is the time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire," Harris said when interrupted. "I respect your voice, but right now, I am speaking," she added.

For our live updates from Friday, September 13, 2024, click here.