Washington, DC – Vice President Kamala Harris has declared that she will not stay silent in the face of Palestinian suffering amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, Palestinian rights advocates are seeking clarity on how this will impact US foreign policy. Following her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris, who is expected to be the Democratic nominee for the presidency, highlighted the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. Despite this, she reaffirmed her support for Israel. Critics argue that simply expressing sympathy for Palestinians without a meaningful shift away from the US’s unwavering military and diplomatic support for Israel will not be enough to regain the trust of voters alienated by President Joe Biden’s stance on the war.
Sociologist Eman Abdelhadi emphasized that the US holds responsibility for the atrocities against Palestinians and called for concrete actions rather than just empathy. While Harris’s comments were seen as a departure from Biden’s rhetoric, some activists pointed out that she did not outline any new policy positions. In her televised statement after meeting with Netanyahu, Harris expressed concern about the suffering in Gaza and endorsed Biden’s ceasefire proposal. However, critics argue that empathy alone is not sufficient, and tangible steps need to be taken to address the ongoing crisis.
Harris’s rise to the Democratic nomination has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing hope for a change in policy while others remain skeptical of her past pro-Israel record. Despite her history of supporting Israel, Harris has shown some willingness to acknowledge Palestinian suffering and call for a ceasefire. However, many advocates stress the need for concrete actions to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As the conflict continues to escalate, Palestinian rights advocates are calling for a shift in US policy towards Israel and are willing to support Harris if she demonstrates a commitment to change. While some are open to being convinced by Harris’s actions, they emphasize the urgency of addressing the situation in Gaza and ending the violence against Palestinians. Material changes in US policy towards Israel are seen as essential in winning over those who have been critical of the current approach.