Kamala Harris, the US vice-president and Democratic nominee, has hailed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a pivotal moment to finally end the war in Gaza. Harris emphasized that “justice has been served” with Sinwar’s elimination, adding that both Israel and the world are “better off” as a result. Her comments align with growing calls to shift focus toward “the day after” when Hamas no longer controls Gaza, laying the groundwork for a lasting peace.
Facing a critical election contest with Donald Trump in Michigan, which has a significant Arab-American population, Harris pressed for the end of the year-long hostilities that have devastated Gaza, claiming over 42,000 lives. She acknowledged that while Hamas has been largely decimated, the path to peace requires ensuring security for Israel, the release of the remaining hostages, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Kamala Harris also hinted at her support for Palestinian statehood, stressing that the end of the conflict should pave the way for Palestinians’ rights to “dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.”
President Joe Biden echoed Harris’s sentiments, acknowledging that while Israel had every right to dismantle Hamas, much work remains to be done in the region. He called Sinwar an “insurmountable obstacle” to peace, whose removal now offers an opportunity for a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
