Progressives

Harris, under pressure from progressives, addresses Israel's war in Gaza

The Democratic nominee pledged that she will continue to support Israel and advocate for the well-being of Palestinians.

Eric Bazail-Eimil

Vice President Kamala Harris directly addressed Israel’s war in Gaza in her acceptance speech, pledging that she will continue to support Israel and advocate for the well-being of Palestinians, as Democrats continue to face pressure from progressives over the Biden administration’s staunch support for the Israeli government.

Harris began by emphasizing that she “will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself” and “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 October 7.”

But in a nod to critics, who have called on Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, to advocate more forcefully for Palestinians as Israel’s war effort has killed thousands of civilians and sparked worries of famine in Gaza, Harris emphasized that she and President Joe Biden have prioritized a solution to the conflict where “suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom and self determination.”

The audience in the hall was fixated as she spoke on Israel, letting out the loudest roar of approval of the speech so far. Some attendees cried out “free Palestine” during her remarks.

The issue has played out over the course of the convention this week, with pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrating each day. Tensions rose within the party after the Uncommitted National Movement said during a press conference Wednesday that they were denied a coveted speaking slot by convention organizers.