Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In a final push ahead of the presidential election, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris pledged to end the conflict in Gaza as part of her closing pitch. Speaking on Sunday, November 3, in Michigan which is a key swing state with a significant Arab American population, Harris addressed frustrations over the humanitarian crisis and ongoing genocide that has killed over 43,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly all 2.3 million residents of Gaza.
“This year has been extraordinarily challenging, with the immense loss of life and devastation in Gaza, as well as the civilian suffering in Lebanon. It is deeply heartbreaking,” Harris said during a rally in East Lansing, a city home to 200,000 Arab Americans, as reported by Al Jazeera.
“As president, I will do everything within my power to end the war in Gaza, secure the return of hostages, alleviate the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel’s security, and support the Palestinian people in achieving dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination.” She added.
Harris did not outline specific plans for ending the conflict, which critics have noted is supported by the U.S., Israel’s largest arms supplier.
Kamala Harris, faces former President Donald Trump, in a tight race with less than 36 hours before polls open on Tuesday. The wars in Gaza and Lebanon have become central issues in the campaign, with U.S. support for Israel under scrutiny as casualties and destruction mount in both regions.
Since Israel’s military operations in Gaza began in response to a rare Hamas attack in October last year, Harris and President Joe Biden have consistently emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense, while expressing concerns over the significant loss of Palestinian civilian lives. Harris has also pledged continued military support to Israel if elected, which analysts suggest is critical to shoring up her position among key voters.
Global Airlines Withdraw from China, What’s Wrong?
To win the presidency, Harris must secure a majority in the seven battleground states, including Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Polls aggregated by RealClearPolitics show Trump narrowly leading nationally by 0.1 percentage points, with multiple surveys showing the candidates tied.
Michigan, which holds 15 Electoral College votes, is especially vital due to its large Arab and Muslim communities. It forms part of the so-called “blue wall” states, alongside Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which flipped to Trump in 2016 before being reclaimed by Biden in 2020.
Trump, who campaigned in Dearborn, Michigan, on Friday, also promised to end the Middle East conflict but did not provide specifics on his approach.
Election data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab shows that more than 78 million Americans have already voted early, with registered Democrats casting around 700,000 more ballots than Republicans.
(Raidi/Agung)
