Vice President Kamala Harris recently addressed her stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza during a session with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Philadelphia. As the Democratic presidential nominee, she reaffirmed her support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, along with a commitment to a two-state solution once hostilities cease.
Taking a nuanced position, Harris underscored Israel’s right to defend itself following the attacks on October 7, but emphasized the importance of maintaining standards of conduct during military actions. When asked about the distinction between aggression and self-defense regarding Israeli military operations—totaling over 40,000 Palestinian casualties according to the Gaza health ministry—Harris expressed that “this war has to end.”
Win McNamee/GETTY IMAGES
During the discussion, an NABJ panelist pressed for clarity on this distinction. Harris sought to contextualize her beliefs, insisting she would address the question fully. Her campaign is currently facing increasing scrutiny from within the Democratic Party, particularly from the progressive wing, demanding a reevaluation of U.S. support for Israel amidst the crisis.
While she called for a quicker ceasefire than President Biden, Harris largely aligned with his policies, resisting calls for an arms embargo on Israel. She noted her support for Biden’s pause on certain bomb shipments to Israel as they prepared for ground operations in Rafah, although some military shipments resumed later.
When questioned about potential shifts in policy should she become president, Harris stated, “We need to get this deal done,” reiterating her commitment to pressuring involved parties. She also highlighted her support for both Israel’s right to security and Palestinian self-determination as critical components of achieving peace.
Countering criticism from former President Donald Trump, who has accused her of being anti-Israel, Harris defended her long-standing support for the nation, emphasizing her personal connections, including her Jewish husband, Doug Emhoff.