Vice President Harris told protesters who disrupted her campaign rally in Phoenix that now is the time for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza.
During Harris’ Arizona rally, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters chanted “Liberate Palestine, liberate Palestine,” marking the second time this week that she has been disrupted by people upset about the Gaza war.
“Now, hold on a second, the point is, we’re all here, and I’ve heard so many of you are here because you love your country,” Harris said. “We’re here to fight for our democracy, and that includes respecting the voices we feel are being heard.”
“I’ve been very clear: Now is the time to get a ceasefire done, now is the time to get a hostage deal done. The time is now,” Harris continued. “The president and I are working around the clock every day to get a ceasefire done, to bring the hostages home. So, I respect your voices, but we’re here right now to talk about the 2024 elections.”
Harris was interrupted by Gaza protesters at a rally in Detroit on Wednesday, chanting, “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide. We will not vote for genocide.” As the protesters continued their disruption, Harris responded bluntly.
“Look, if you want Donald Trump to win, say so. If not, I’ll speak up,” she said.
The vice president’s national security adviser said Thursday that he does not support an arms embargo on Israel as called for by protesters.
The war in Gaza has divided some Democrats, dating back to October when Hamas killed about 1,200 Israelis and took more than 200 hostage. Israel has responded by killing more than 30,000 Palestinians in its military operations in Gaza.
Harris has aligned herself with Biden in staunch support for Israel, stressing that how Israel wages its war against Hamas is crucial and that more needs to be done to protect civilians in Gaza.
“I’ve said it many times, but it’s worth repeating: Israel has the right to defend itself, but how it does so matters,” Harris said after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month.
