"I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself," says Kamala Harris

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris addressed the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, emphasising the need for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Israel's war in Gaza.

“Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done,” she said. 

“And 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.”

However, Harris acknowledged the devastating situation in Gaza caused by the Israeli military offensives.

“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.

She assured that "President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination."

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Qatar to secure a Gaza ceasefire. 

Blinken consulted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accepted a "bridging proposal" for a ceasefire. 

However, Hamas rejected the proposal, calling it an attempt by the US to buy time "for Israel to continue its genocide."

Israel's war on Gaza has resulted in devastating losses, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed, including 16,456 children and 11,000 women. 

The United Nations reported that two-thirds of buildings across the Gaza Strip have been "damaged or destroyed." Israeli attacks have also killed at least 270 aid workers.

The restrictions on food, water, medicine, and fuel supplies have exacerbated the crisis.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) directed Israel to ensure basic services and humanitarian aid delivery in the besieged enclave.

A day earlier, the Palestinian government's information office reported that almost 1.7 million Gazans had been displaced due to relentless air and artillery strikes by the Israeli military.