Vice President Kamala Harris met with leaders from the Muslim and Arab American community in Flint, Michigan before a campaign rally. During the meeting, they discussed the election, as well as the wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Harris expressed concern over the suffering in Gaza and civilian casualties in Lebanon, and emphasized her efforts to end the war in Gaza while ensuring Israel’s security and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The Israel-Hamas conflict has escalated, with strikes in Lebanon and missile attacks from Iran. Some progressives in the U.S. have criticized the Biden administration’s relationship with Israel, but Harris has defended Israel’s right to self-defense while acknowledging the suffering in Gaza.
The Muslim political organizing group Emgage Action called on Harris to end the war and reset U.S. policy in the region, expressing disappointment in the handling of the crisis. Emgage endorsed Harris in September but stated that she still has work to do on certain issues. The Biden administration has been working to bring about a cease-fire and hostage release deal to alleviate the crisis in Gaza and ensure the safety of civilians in Lebanon.
The campaign also launched the “Arab Americans for Harris-Walz” coalition group, seeking to garner support from Arab American voters. Some Muslim voters and groups have expressed disappointment in the administration’s handling of the conflict, leading to calls to abandon Biden. The pro-Palestinian Uncommitted Movement has also declined to endorse Harris.
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