Kamala Harris, the U.S. presidential candidate, addressed pro-Palestinian demonstrators who interrupted her campaign rally in Glendale, Arizona. During her speech to an audience of about 15,000 people, she emphasized the need for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The demonstrators chanted “Free, free Palestine,” highlighting the urgency of their message as she seeks to win Arizona against her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
Harris paused her speech on Friday to speak directly to the protesters, saying, “I have been clear: now is the time to reach a cease-fire agreement and make efforts to bring the hostages home.” Reports indicate that both Harris and President Joe Biden have expressed support for a cease-fire, while simultaneously sending more military aid to Israel amid continuing bombings in Gaza.
Phil Lavelle, a reporter from Al Jazeera, noted, “In her role as Vice President, she supports the Biden administration, but her team is also eager to ensure that she can push for a cease-fire. It feels like two parallel worlds.” Harris reassured the demonstrators that the President and she are working around the clock to secure a cease-fire agreement and return the hostages. “I respect your voices, but we are here to talk about the election in 2024,” she stated.
This recent incident illustrates the delicate balance Harris is aiming to maintain. She faces the challenge of addressing a portion of her party’s voters who oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza, while also avoiding alienating a broader voter base that is sympathetic to Israel’s position. At a rally in Michigan, where she was similarly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, she appeared frustrated, responding, “You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, say it. Otherwise, I’m speaking.”
Although a video from the event went viral, some criticized Harris for seemingly neglecting the issue of the cease-fire and appearing dismissive of the young demonstrators. Lavelle remarked that Harris is aware of public sentiment, particularly in swing states like Michigan that have significant Arab-American populations who feel genuine frustration over a lack of progress.
In July, Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C., where she reaffirmed her commitment to Israel’s existence and security as “unaltered,” while adding that she “will not remain silent” in light of the “tragedies” occurring in Gaza. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have urged both Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations for a cease-fire, which is scheduled to take place on August 15. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to send billions of dollars in military aid and weapons to Israel, as the conflict in Gaza approaches its tenth month.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 39,699 people have been killed and 91,722 injured during the war. Approximately 1,139 individuals were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, with more than 200 taken hostage. Harris is currently on a week-long tour after announcing her vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, with an aim to build momentum for her campaign in seven states that could be crucial for the election on November 5.