The United States in May suspended a shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs
Washington DC:
Vice President Kamala Harris did not agree to discuss imposing an arms embargo on Israel during a conversation with pro-Palestinian activists pushing for changes in U.S. policy toward its ally during the Gaza war, an aide said. Thursday.
The National Uncommitted Movement said Wednesday night that Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, “shared her sympathies and expressed openness to a meeting with uncommitted leaders to discuss an arms embargo” during their campaign interaction. in Detroit, the aide said. .
The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Harris has not expressed a willingness to discuss an arms embargo. But a campaign spokesman said the vice president told members of the Muslim and Palestinian community that she would continue to collaborate with them in the war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza, which local authorities say has killed nearly 40 One thousand people.
“The vice president has been clear: she will always work to ensure that Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iranian-backed terrorist groups. The vice president is focused on securing the ceasefire and hostage agreement currently under discussion “, said the campaign spokesperson. he said.
Two of the group’s founders, Layla Elabed and Abbas Alawieh, said they spoke briefly with Harris and newly named running mate Tim Walz of Minnesota about their concerns about U.S. arms supplies to Israel as it wages war in Gaza.
Alawieh said Thursday that both he and Elabed specifically requested a meeting to discuss demanding an arms embargo on Israel, “and in both cases, Vice President Harris expressed openness to follow through.”
He said he was very encouraged by his engagements with Harris’ office and “we are hopeful that ongoing discussions will continue to be fruitful.”
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
Israel launched its attack on the besieged Palestinian enclave in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages, according to Israeli records.
The political group Uncommited was organized to oppose President Joe Biden’s staunch support for Israel’s war, which has displaced nearly 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and caused severe food shortages.
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has led to calls for Washington to impose conditions on the billions of dollars in military funding and other assistance it provides to Israel, which has received more U.S. foreign aid since World War II than any other country.
The United States in May suspended a shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs due to concerns about the impact they could have on Gaza.
The Uncommited movement racked up sizable vote totals in presidential nominating contests in Michigan, Minnesota, and Hawaii, and won at least 25 delegates. The leaders said they want to use their influence at this month’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
In a reminder of how divisive the issue has been for Democrats, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters briefly interrupted Harris’ speech in Detroit on Wednesday, shouting, “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide, we won’t vote for of genocide.” .”
She paused for a moment, saying she believed in democracy and the importance of every voice, and then added, “But I’m speaking now.” When the shouting continued, she repeated, “You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say so. Otherwise, I’m speaking out.”
Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the Israeli security failures that allowed Hamas to carry out the Oct. 7 attack and said he would work to bring a quick end to the war.
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