Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed empathy for Palestinians suffering in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing conflict but has faced criticism for not outlining any new policy changes. Activists are calling for a shift away from unconditional US support for Israel. While Harris has distanced herself from President Biden’s rhetoric, critics are skeptical of her actual commitment to change.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris highlighted the suffering in Gaza but reaffirmed support for Israel, pledging to ensure its defense. However, without concrete policy changes, activists remain unconvinced by Harris’s statements of empathy.
Despite Harris’s pro-Israel record and previous support for the country in Congress, she has faced pressure to rethink US foreign policy towards Israel. Demonstrators have urged her to consider a ceasefire, arms embargo, and ending the Gaza siege. Palestinian rights advocates are willing to support Harris if she takes meaningful action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Harris’s condemnation of anti-Netanyahu protesters in Washington, DC has also drawn criticism for overlooking their valid concerns about the Israeli Prime Minister’s actions. Activists argue that Harris’s allegiance to Israel will continue the status quo of arming the country without addressing the human rights violations in the region. Calls for substantive change in US foreign policy towards Israel are growing louder as the conflict in Gaza persists.
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