Walz support Gaza protesters while condemning Hamas

Walz’s comments seemed to reflect a change in tone, though not policy, from the strong pro-Israel stance articulated by Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention last month.

He condemned Hamas for its October 7 attack on Israel, calling it a “horrific act of violence,” but stressed that “we can’t allow what’s happening in Gaza to continue” and affirmed that “the Palestinian people have every right to life and liberty themselves.”

When questioned on how a Harris administration might approach the nearly 11-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, Walz avoided direct mention of the six hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who were executed by Hamas last week. Nor did he address the violent protests targeting Jewish Americans.

Harris, who has expressed stronger concern over Gaza’s civilian plight than President Joe Biden, remains aligned with his policy of military support for Israel while also seeking a ceasefire and a hostage release deal.

Speaking after the identification of the hostages’ bodies, Harris remarked that “the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel—and American citizens in Israel—must be eliminated,” asserting that “Hamas cannot control Gaza”, AP reported.

At a recent Washington vigil for the hostages, Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, shared his personal anguish, said, “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Hersh and his parents, or about the five others and their families.”

Despite the vice president’s more emotional tone regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, she and Biden continue to align in their efforts to arm Israel, broker a ceasefire, and secure a hostage deal.

(with inputs from AP)