In response to growing discontent over the conflict in Gaza, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the issue during her acceptance speech for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination on Thursday. Harris reiterated her support for Israel’s right to self-defense and opposed restrictions on arms sales to the country, acknowledging the ongoing violence in the region following Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
Harris also expressed concern for the devastation in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives and many others are desperate and hungry, fleeing for safety repeatedly. She stated that she and President Joe Biden were working on a ceasefire agreement that would include the release of hostages held by Hamas, aiming to help Palestinians achieve dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.
Despite efforts to address the conflict, a comprehensive resolution has been challenging to attain, with Biden and Harris engaging in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while the Democratic National Convention took place. Harris had previously discussed the matter with Netanyahu in Washington, emphasizing the needs of Palestinians while maintaining Biden’s strong stance in support of Israel.
Harris’ approach aims to unite the Democratic Party on the divisive issue of the Gaza war, but some activists are seeking a more explicit shift in policy, urging an end to the supply of weapons to Israel that have been used against Palestinian civilians. While concerns over protests disrupting the convention were not fully realized, there were expressions of discontent outside the United Center, with uncommitted delegates protesting the exclusion of a Palestinian American speaker despite granting a platform to the parents of an American hostage.
Representative Cori Bush of Missouri, who is nearing the end of her term after losing her primary, highlighted the importance of diverse voices within the Democratic Party, urging for inclusion and representation of all members to address crucial matters such as the conflict in Gaza.