US Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated that "Israel has a right to defend itself" in an interview with CNN on Thursday, adding that "how it does so matters."

"Let me be very clear. I'm unequivocal in Israel's right to defend itself. And that's not going to change, but let's take a step back," Harris said in her first interview as the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate. 

"Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, and we have got to get a deal done," Harris said, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

She highlighted that she would continue to implement the Joe Biden administration's policies on "Israel" under the Harris-Walz administration. These policies generally consist of strong bilateral economic, military, and diplomatic relations with the occupation.

"We were in Doha. We have to get a deal done. This war must end in the meantime, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out. I've met with the families of the American hostages. Let's get the hostages out. Let's get the ceasefire done," the Democrat added.

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Harris also affirmed her commitment to establishing a two-state solution "where Israel is secure and in equal measure, the Palestinians have security and self-determination and dignity."

The Democratic nominee's response was criticized by Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, a protest campaign countering Biden-Harris' policies on "Israel."

"If the vice president is interested in a ceasefire, she must support an immediate stop to sending the fire," the activist said.

Harris vows to protect 'Israel' at DNC

Harris' statements in her interview with Dana Bash are a reiteration of her address during the four-day Democratic National Convention (DNC) which took place on August 19.

The vice president made a commitment to protect "Israel", release the captives from Gaza, and put an end to the war.

"Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done," she told the crowd, adding, "And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself."

"What has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost, desperate hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking".
 
She also claimed, "President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination."