A prime adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris met with Muslim and Arab American leaders Wednesday as Harris’ presidential marketing campaign seeks to win again voters offended over U.S. assist for Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Harris’ nationwide safety adviser, Phil Gordon, informed group leaders on the digital assembly that the administration helps a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomacy in Lebanon and stability within the Israeli-occupied West Financial institution, the administration’s workplace stated. vice chairman.
Ali Dagher, a Lebanese-American lawyer and group chief, stated the attain of Harris’ workplace was not sufficient. “It is too little, too late,” stated Dagher, who didn’t take part within the assembly.
Harris, a Democrat, faces former Republican President Donald Trump on Nov. 5 in what polls present can be an in depth presidential race.
President Joe Biden gained nearly all of Muslim and Arab votes in 2020, however his assist for Democrats has fallen sharply throughout practically a yr wherein Israel has been preventing Hamas in Gaza. Activists say Biden and Harris have executed too little to cease Israel’s army marketing campaign within the Palestinian enclave.
The Israeli army offensive in Gaza has killed greater than 41,000 Palestinians, Palestinian well being authorities say. Israel was responding to an Oct. 7, 2023, raid by Hamas gunmen, who Israel stated killed about 1,200 folks and kidnapped about 250 hostages. Gaza has suffered a humanitarian disaster with virtually all of its 2 million inhabitants displaced and widespread starvation within the enclave.
In Lebanon, greater than 1,900 folks have been killed and 9,000 wounded throughout practically a yr of cross-border preventing between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, with a lot of the deaths occurring prior to now two weeks, based on authorities statistics. Lebanese.
Emgage, an advocacy group for American Muslims, just lately endorsed Harris, whereas others have urged their supporters to reject her. Whereas they haven’t endorsed Trump, their choice to not vote or to vote for third-party candidates might damage Harris, analysts say.
US assist for Israel has sparked giant protests, particularly in hotly contested swing states like Michigan, which might determine the election. Harris has supplied no substantive coverage variations on Israel from Biden, who stepped down as a presidential candidate in July.
