US VP Harris declares support for Israel's self-defense & Palestinian self-determination while calling for ceasefire

'Now is the time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire done,' says Harris

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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris closed the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday night with a speech calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza War and messages of support for both Israel and Palestinians.

While Harris' speech primarily focused on her life story, criticisms of former President Donald Trump, and a commitment to reinstating abortion rights, it also included a brief segment on foreign policy and featured the DNC's initial official comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Despite fears that the issue of the war in Gaza would derail the DNC, the party managed to keep anti-Israel protests outside of the hall.

It also provided a speaking platform to the parents of the American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, while denying a request by the “Uncommitted” movement to let a Palestinian representative on the stage.

Harris on Israel/Gaza:

"I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself"

"At the same time, what has happened in Gaza is devastating"

"[I will work to make sure] The Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination" pic.twitter.com/Kkhc0lW8qJ
— Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) August 23, 2024

Harris indicated her intention to uphold U.S. President Joe Biden's policies on Israel if she were elected to serve in the Oval Office in November.

“With respect to the war in Gaza: President Biden and I are working around the clock. Because now is the time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire done,” Harris stated.

Since the outbreak of the war, following the Hamas invasion and massacre in southern Israel last Oct. 7, Harris' public remarks have been consistently more critical of Israel than Biden's.

“Let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel can defend itself,” Harris declared, followed by applause from the crowd of thousands in the Chicago DNC hall.

Two weeks ago, members of the “Uncommitted” movement claimed that Harris had expressed openness to an arms embargo against Israel, which her campaign later denied.

The comments in her speech represented her most forceful public commitment to supporting Israel during her campaign.

“The people of Israel must never again face the horror that the terrorist organization Hamas caused on October 7, including unspeakable sexual violence and the massacre of young people at a music festival.”

During his speech, Harris affirmed: “I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend our forces and our interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists.”

However, the most enthusiastic applause during the foreign policy section of her speech occurred when she expressed support for the Palestinians.

“At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives, hungry people fleeing to safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking,” she said.

“President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self-determination,” Harris added.