Kamala Harris Supports Israel and Palestinians

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday, emphasizing her support for Israel's right to defend itself while also advocating for the Palestinians' right to self-determination. This marked a notable moment in the convention, as it was the first positive mention of Israel during the four-day event, contrasting with President Joe Biden's earlier omission of the country from his speech and the focus on pro-Palestinian sentiments among some attendees. In her speech, Harris highlighted the urgency of securing a hostage deal and a ceasefire, stating, "I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself." She condemned the violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in significant loss of innocent lives, and reiterated the administration's commitment to ensuring Israel's security while addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Harris's remarks received enthusiastic applause, particularly when she spoke about the need for the Palestinian people to achieve dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. This dual approach of supporting both Israeli and Palestinian rights reflects a complex stance within the Democratic Party, especially amid ongoing tensions in the region. However, the convention faced protests from pro-Palestinian delegates, who were excluded from the floor after attempting to stage a sit-in. Their actions underscored the divisions within the party regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the challenges the Democrats face in uniting their base on this contentious issue.