- Harris Calls for Truce: Urges ceasefire in Gaza conflict
- Protests Disrupt Rally: Chants of “Free Palestine” heard
- Balancing Act: Navigates pro-Palestine, pro-Israel views
US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has told pro-Palestine protestors who disrupted her campaign rally in Arizona that it is time for a truce in Israel’s war on Gaza.
As Harris spoke to an estimated 15,000 people in Glendale, Arizona, one of the states she is aiming for to beat her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, demonstrators chanted, “Free, free Palestine.
On Friday, Harris paused her speech to address the demonstrators directly, saying, “I have been clear: now is the time to reach ceasefirere and complete the hostage deal.”
Al Jazeera’s Phil Lavelle said from Washington, DC, that while Vice President Harris and President Joe Biden have stated support for a truce, their administration is giving more military aid to Israel as it continues to assault Gaza.
“As vice president, she supports the Biden administration. However, her staff is also concerned with ensuring that she is the one capable of implementing a ceaceasefireIt’s like two parallel worlds,” Lavelle explained.
Harris also informed the demonstrators, “The president and I are working around the clock every day to complete the ceaceasefirereement and return the hostages home. I respect your opinions, but we’re here to speak about the race in 2024.
The latest episode underscores the balancing act she must perform to accommodate a sector of her party’s voters opposed to Israel’s assault in Gaza while avoiding alienating the general majority supportive of Israel.
On Wednesday, when Harris was heckled during a rally in Michigan, she appeared frustrated as pro-Palestine protesters repeatedly interrupted her speech, shouting, “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide, we won’t vote for genocide.”
Harris’s response was frank. “If you want Donald Trump to win, say so. Otherwise, I’ll speak.”
While a video of the Michigan event went viral, some critics argued that Harris neglected to address the ceaceasefiresue and sounded disdainful of the teenage protesters.
Harris is also aware of the public mood, especially in swing states like Michigan.
“While Gaza does not receive as much coverage domestically as it does globally, Harris understands that in areas like Michigan, which have large Arab-American communities, there is genuine anger with the lack of progress. “And she’ll be eager to address that,” he continued.
Seize the opportunity: Sign up for Webull UK and receive free shares!
In July, when Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, DC, she stated that her commitment to Israel’s existence and security was “unwavering,” but that she “will not be silent” in the face of the “tragedies” in Gaza.
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have urged Israel and Hamas to resume ceaceasefirelks on August 15.
At the same time, the United States continues to give billions of dollars in military aid and weapons to Israel as the war in Gaza enters its tenth month.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported on Saturday that Israel’s war on the territory has killed at least 39,790 people and injured 91,702. During the Hamas-led strikes against Israel on October 7, an estimated 1,139 persons were murdered, with more than 200 taken captive.
Harris has been on a weeklong trip since announcing her running partner, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, to build momentum for her campaign in seven states that might decide the November 5 election.
