Vice President Kamala Harris declared that “justice has been served” following the announcement of Yahya Sinwar’s death. Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, was labeled by Harris as the “mastermind” behind the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. She suggested that this development could pave the way for a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A Chance for Peace
During a campaign event at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ms. Harris stressed that Sinwar’s demise offers a significant opportunity to end the war in Gaza. She emphasized the importance of finding a resolution that would guarantee Israel’s security, ensure the release of hostages, alleviate suffering in Gaza, and uphold the rights of the Palestinian people to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. “It is time for the day after to begin without Hamas in power,” she stated firmly.
Timing with President Biden’s Statement
Harris made her remarks shortly after Israeli officials confirmed Sinwar’s death. She chose not to respond to questions from reporters about whether she would call on Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza. Her comments were coordinated with President Biden’s statement, made while he was on Air Force One heading to Berlin for a diplomatic visit related to the conflict in Ukraine. A senior official indicated that Harris and her team were advised to wait until Biden’s remarks were public before addressing the media.
Recognizing the Impact of Sinwar’s Actions
In her address about Sinwar’s death, Harris reiterated the importance of this event. “Today, Israel confirmed that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas is dead, and justice has been served,” she said, underscoring that the world is a safer place as a result. She pointed out Sinwar’s role in the October 7 attacks, which led to around 1,200 deaths and the taking of approximately 250 hostages, remarking, “He had American blood on his hands.”
A Strong Message on Justice
Harris commended the partnership between American special operations and intelligence agencies with their Israeli counterparts in tracking down Sinwar and other Hamas leaders. She sent a clear warning to terrorists threatening Americans, asserting that the U.S. would ensure they are held accountable for their actions. “Israel has a right to defend itself,” she stated, highlighting the critical need to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas. Harris concluded by expressing hope that this moment could facilitate an end to the conflict in Gaza while recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people.