Kamala Harris’s Warning And Praise: The Complex Landscape Of Gaza

Back in March, Vice President Kamala Harris warned Israel not to enter Rafah, the southern Gaza enclave where Hamas had holed up among the civilian population, saying in an interview that the U.S. would not rule out "consequences" if the Israeli military moved forward with a gathering invasion. This statement showcased the delicate balance the Biden administration sought to maintain in the ongoing conflict. Fast forward to this week, and Harris found herself praising Israel for successfully killing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, highlighting the complexity of her position.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) executed Sinwar during a firefight in Rafah overnight Wednesday, only confirming his identity through DNA analysis the following morning. Sinwar was deemed the architect of the tragic October 7 attack that led to the loss of 1,200 lives. Despite this recent military success, the Biden administration had previously voiced strong opposition to any large-scale military operations in Rafah, labeling such actions a "red line" due to the potential for civilian casualties.

In a recent statement, a White House official clarified the administration's stance. They emphasized that while they opposed a full-scale invasion, they were open to advising the Israeli government on alternative approaches. This reflects a significant shift in rhetoric as the situation in Gaza evolves, showcasing the multifaceted nature of international relations and military strategy.

A White House official told Newsweek that the administration had only opposed a large-scale ground invasion. "We opposed a large-scale invasion with heavy ground fighting in densely populated areas while there were so many civilians sheltering there given the high potential for civilian casualties," the official said in an email. This statement underscores the administration's desire to prevent civilian harm while still addressing security concerns.

President Joe Biden struck a celebratory note on Thursday in a statement issued after the news had been confirmed that Hamas chief had been killed. The president touted the close cooperation between the U.S. and Israel to "track Sinwar and other Hamas leaders hiding in Gaza." "This is a good day for Israel, for the United States and for the world," Biden stated, reflecting a sense of accomplishment amidst ongoing conflict.

In her own statement from the campaign trail, Harris went a step further, stating that "justice has been served," and that "the United States, Israel and the entire world are better off as a result." This rhetoric aims to reinforce the U.S.'s commitment to Israel's security while navigating the complex humanitarian implications of military actions in Gaza.

Harris also used the moment to push for an end to Israel's operations in Gaza, insisting that "Israel is secure" following Sinwar's death. "This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza," Harris stated during a campaign speech at the University of Wisconsin. Her comments highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between military action and humanitarian considerations.

Seven months ago, before Harris was the Democratic nominee, she issued a stern warning to Israel about its plans to invade Rafah, suggesting it could face "consequences" because of the number of civilians sheltering there. "We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake," Harris said in an interview with ABC News.

"Let me tell you something: I have been studying the maps. There's nowhere for those folks to go, and we're looking at about 1.5 million people in Rafah who were there because they were told to go there, most of them," she explained. This concern for civilian safety is a critical part of her stance, illustrating the humanitarian crisis that accompanies military strategies.

The Israelis went ahead with a version of the Rafah operation in May despite those warnings from the White House. Five months later, the offensive yielded their most-wanted man. "Yahya Sinwar is dead," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in announcing the military victory late Thursday. "While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it's the beginning of the end." This statement indicates the ongoing struggle and the potential for further conflict in the region.