Harris stands by Israel's right to defend itself while saying Gaza situation is 'heartbreaking'
Vice President Kamala Harris offered a full-throated defense of Israel in her convention speech Thursday night, echoing the language of President Joe Biden that has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian protesters.
Vice President Kamala Harris offered a full-throated defense of Israel in her convention speech Thursday night, echoing the language of President Joe Biden that has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian protesters.
Harris, who spent a lengthy segment of her acceptance speech talking about the war in Gaza, also expressed sympathy for the innocent lives lost and called for a cease-fire deal.
The war was a source of tension at the convention. Crowds of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside the convention hall every night. Delegates inside the arena who were elected as "uncommitted" in protest votes against Biden's support of Israel had tried to haggle over a speaking slot but were denied. Several stood in silent protest at various points in the week.
"Let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself, because the people of Israel must never again face the horror that a terrorist organization called Hamas caused on Oct. 7, including unspeakable sexual violence and the massacre of young people at a music festival," Harris said.
Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday. J. Scott Applewhite / APShe continued: "At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking."
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