Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris vowed not to remain silent about the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters during her first campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after a critical meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, Harris expressed her "serious concern" over the devastating impact of the nine-month conflict.
"Israel has a right to defend itself and how it does so matters. What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating," said Harris, emphasizing the human toll of the conflict. "The images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent."
Harris's remarks clarified her stance on the conflict, highlighting her commitment to balancing support for Israel with the urgent need to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza. She reiterated President Biden’s stance on America’s “ironclad support” and “unwavering commitment” to Israel but stressed the importance of ending the war.
"It is time for this war to end and end in a way where Israel is secure, all the hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination," Harris stated.
Recalling the details of the proposed US-backed ceasefire and hostage deal, she mentioned "hopeful movement" in the talks and urged Netanyahu to finalize the agreement. "As I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done," she asserted. "So to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you."
Harris also emphasized the Biden administration’s efforts to secure the release of American hostages held by Hamas, highlighting the names of those detained. In a poignant conclusion, she called for unity and condemned all forms of hate. "Let us all condemn terrorism and violence. Let us all do what we can to prevent the suffering of innocent civilians. And let us condemn antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate of any kind. And let us work to unite our country," she urged.
Harris's comments come as she navigates the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis while maintaining strong US-Israel relations.
