'Let Me Be Very Clear': Harris Defends Stance on Israel-Hamas War, Urges For Hostage Deal

Washington: In her first-ever major TV interview ahead of the presidential elections, Kamala Harris said that she won't change President Joe Biden's policy of arming Israel in its war against Hamas. The current Vice President made these remarks during an unscripted interview with US-based media CNN on Friday.

In the exclusive interview, Harris said that she is 'unequivocal and unwavering' in her commitment to Israel's defence in its ability to defend itself and this will not change.

"Let me be very clear. I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defence and its ability to defend itself. And that’s not gonna change," she said.

Raising her serious concerns over the humanitarian situation and destruction in Gaza, Harris called it "catastrophic" and "devastating."

"But let’s take a step back. October 7, 1,200 people are massacred, many young people who are simply attending a musical festival. Women were horribly raped. As I said then, I say today, Israel had a right – has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. And we have got to get a deal done."

She further emphasised, "we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out."

How Harris Learned About Biden's Exit From Presidential Race

Describing her call with US President Joe Biden when he told her about him exiting the election bid, Harris said that she was sitting with her nieces after eating breakfast.

"And the phone rang and it was Joe Biden and he told me what he had decided to do and I asked him, 'Are you sure?' And he said 'yes' and that’s how I learned about it."

She added that Biden was very clear that he was going to support her. however, hearing this news, her first thought was about him and not herself.

Praising Biden whose presidency will end this year said, "I think history is going to show a number of things about Joe Biden’s presidency. I think history is going to show that in so many ways it was transformative."