What's happened
During her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the ongoing Gaza conflict, emphasizing the suffering of Palestinians while reaffirming support for Israel. Her remarks reflect the party's internal tensions over foreign policy, particularly regarding military aid to Israel amidst civilian casualties.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Eric Garcia in The Independent, Harris's speech included a poignant acknowledgment of Palestinian suffering, stating, "The scale of suffering is heartbreaking." However, Abbas Alawieh, a leader of the Uncommitted movement, expressed disappointment, suggesting her remarks were merely "repackaged talking points that perpetuate the status quo."
In contrast, Lara Jakes from the New York Times reported on the Biden administration's recent approval of $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, emphasizing the delicate balance the administration seeks to maintain between supporting Israel and addressing domestic opposition to military aid. This reflects the broader context of Harris's speech, where she reiterated Israel's right to defend itself, stating, "I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself."
David E. Sanger from the New York Times noted that Harris's remarks were aimed at quelling dissent within the party, as she sought to navigate the complex dynamics of pro-Israel and progressive factions. He highlighted that her speech did not indicate any policy changes regarding Israel's military tactics, which may leave some party members dissatisfied.
How we got here
The Gaza conflict has escalated since the October 7 attack by Hamas, leading to significant civilian casualties. The Biden administration has faced pressure from both pro-Israel and progressive factions within the Democratic Party regarding its stance on military support for Israel.
More on these topics
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The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with its main rival, the Republican Party.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.