By Kanishka Singh and Andrea Shalal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris met American Muslim and Arab leaders on Wednesday as Harris’ presidential marketing campaign seeks to win again voters offended at U.S. help for Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
Harris’ nationwide safety adviser, Phil Gordan, instructed the group leaders within the digital assembly that the administration helps a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomacy in Lebanon and stability within the Israeli-occupied West Financial institution, the vice chairman’s workplace mentioned.
Ali Dagher, a Lebanese-American legal professional and group chief, mentioned the outreach from Harris’ workplace was not sufficient. “It’s too little, too late,” mentioned Dagher, who didn’t take part within the assembly.
Harris, a Democrat, faces Republican former President Donald Trump on Nov. 5 in what polls present to be a good presidential race.
President Joe Biden received a lot of the 2020 Muslim and Arab votes, however their backing of Democrats has fallen sharply throughout almost a yr that Israel has been preventing Hamas in Gaza. Activists say Biden and Harris have accomplished too little to cease Israel’s navy marketing campaign within the Palestinian enclave.
The Israeli navy offensive in Gaza has killed greater than 41,000 Palestinians, Palestinian well being authorities say. Israel was responding to an Oct. 7, 2023 incursion by Hamas gunmen, who Israel says killed round 1,200 individuals and kidnapped about 250 hostages. Gaza has suffered a humanitarian disaster with almost all its 2 million individuals displaced and widespread starvation within the enclave.
In Lebanon greater than 1,900 individuals have been killed and 9,000 wounded throughout nearly a yr of cross-border preventing between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, with a lot of the deaths up to now two weeks, in response to Lebanese authorities statistics.
Emgage, a Muslim American advocacy group, just lately endorsed Harris, whereas others have urged supporters to shun her. Whereas they haven’t supported Trump, their alternative to not vote or to vote for third-party candidates might harm Harris, analysts say.
U.S. help for Israel has led to giant protests, particularly in hotly contested swing states like Michigan that might determine the election. Harris has provided no substantive coverage variations on Israel from Biden, who stepped apart as presidential candidate in July.
