Harris/ Gaza/ Sinwar/ Hamas/ Israel/ peace talks/ election 2024/ Israel-Palestine conflict/ Newslooks/ MILWAUKEE/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kamala Harris called for an end to the Gaza war following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces. Harris emphasized Israel’s security, the release of hostages, and dignity for Palestinians in her remarks, urging for peace and self-determination. As the election nears, Harris navigates growing pressure from voters calling for a quicker resolution to the conflict.
Following Death of Hamas Leader, Harris Says It’s ‘Time for the Day After to Begin’ – Quick Looks
- Sinwar’s Death: Harris addressed Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, seeing it as a chance to end the conflict in Gaza.
- Call for Peace: Harris reiterated the need for Israel’s security, the release of hostages, and the end of suffering for Palestinians.
- Election Pressure: Harris balances her campaign while facing demands from voters who want a faster end to the Gaza conflict.
- Alignment with Biden: While echoing Biden’s stance, Harris emphasized the importance of lasting peace and self-determination for Palestinians.
Harris on Gaza: “Time for the Day After to Begin” Following Sinwar’s Death
Deep Look
In the wake of Israeli forces killing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday called for renewed efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing that the time has come for the “day after” to begin. Harris, speaking at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, urged for a resolution that ensures Israel’s security while also addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, signaling a delicate balance between support for Israel and empathy for Palestinian suffering.
“An opportunity has arisen to finally end the war in Gaza,” Harris declared, referring to Sinwar’s death as a key moment for peacebuilding. Her comments followed President Joe Biden’s official statement on the killing of Sinwar, one of the architects of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. While Biden hailed the operation as a victory in counterterrorism, Harris used the moment to focus on broader aspirations of ending the war and securing lasting peace.
Speaking to a crowd energized by the prospect of change, Harris outlined her vision for the region’s future: “The war must end such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, and the suffering in Gaza ends. The Palestinian people must realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.” Her words, while echoing Biden’s foreign policy, struck a more emotional tone, aimed at voters seeking a compassionate yet strong stance on the conflict.
Outside the rally, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered, highlighting the complex political terrain Harris must navigate as she campaigns in battleground states. Her support for Israel has made parts of her campaign, particularly in areas with significant Arab American populations like metro Detroit, more challenging. In these regions, voters have expressed frustration with the administration’s stance on the Gaza conflict, some threatening to withhold their votes if they do not see clearer efforts toward peace.
In contrast to her foreign policy remarks, Harris’ next stop in Wisconsin shifted to domestic issues, with her speech focusing on Donald Trump’s attempts to rewrite history around the January 6th U.S. Capitol riot. Describing Trump as “unstable and unhinged,” Harris made it clear that she sees the upcoming election as a critical battle for the country’s democratic values. However, even at this rally, the tension around the Middle East conflict was palpable, with some voters expressing skepticism about the U.S. response to the violence in Gaza.
Harris’ careful balancing act is reflective of the wider pressures facing her campaign. Though Biden’s policies on issues like infrastructure and healthcare have garnered widespread support, his foreign policy approval ratings have been more tepid. Harris, by aligning with Biden’s stance while emphasizing humanitarian concerns, seeks to retain the confidence of her base while addressing growing frustration on the left.
President Biden’s written statement on Sinwar’s death took a more direct tone, focusing on the counterterrorism victory. He praised U.S. intelligence for aiding Israel in tracking down Hamas leadership and reaffirmed Israel’s right to dismantle Hamas’ military operations. “No terrorists anywhere in the world can escape justice,” Biden asserted, underscoring the broader global impact of the operation.
Harris, while praising Israel’s efforts, remained focused on the future: “It is time for the day after to begin.” Her remarks point to the pressing need for a broader solution to the conflict, one that addresses both Israel’s security needs and the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. With the election just weeks away, Harris’ challenge is to keep her message clear, empathetic, and aligned with both the administration’s goals and the concerns of voters on the ground.
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