Kamala Harris says she won't stop supplying weapons to Israel

US Vice President Kamala Harris said that she will uphold President Joe Biden’s policy on Gaza and continue to 'supply weapons to Israel'.

In her first interview as a presidential candidate, Harris was asked by a CNN anchor whether she would alter US policy regarding the supply of weapons to Israel, amid demands from pro-Palestinian groups.

“Let me be very clear, I am unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself, and that’s not going to change,” Harris responded.

She maintained that Israel cannot endure another attack like the one on October 7 by Hamas, adding that Israel has not done enough to protect civilians.

“As I said then, I say today, Israel had a right, has a right, to defend itself,” Harris stated while also acknowledging the Palestinian right to “security, self-determination, and dignity.”

She emphasised the need to secure a deal to end the conflict in Gaza, which she believes will “unlock much of what must happen next.”

“I remain committed, since October 8, to working toward a two-state solution where Israel is secure, and the Palestinians have security, self-determination, and dignity,” she added.

Harris has shown “unwavering” support for Israel even as Palestinian groups demand assurances that the Democratic candidate would take a firmer stance on Israeli policies. 

She reiterated her intention to continue Biden’s policies, despite criticism of his handling of the Israeli military offensive and war crimes in Gaza.

It is worth noting that the Biden administration refused to condemn Israeli war crimes and denied any signs of genocide.

The overall Palestinian death toll since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza has reached at least 40,435, with 93,534 wounded. Thousands more remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.