Vice President Kamala Harris still has time to alter the United States policy on the Gaza war. This change could prove to be a great opportunity to win the presidential race and improve the image of her nation on a global stage. Many people across the world, including Jews and Israelis, think that the situation in Gaza is genocide. Shifting the United States policy might stop it and reduce the chances of a larger war. For this purpose, Harris is only required to enforce the United States law, which fits her past role as a prosecutor. 

The United States stands in favor of Israel. This nation has supported Israel’s action in Gaza and the West Bank for almost a year. After the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, the support from the US increased. This attack killed many Israelis, almost 1200. Since then the US has helped Israel through military aid. This nation provides Israel with many bombs and missiles. In August 2024, the US again provided Israel with $20 billion and more fighter jets. This support of the US has led to a severe challenge to the United States’ credibility on the international stage. 

Israel has been utilizing help from the United States intelligence and weapons to get their hostages held by Hamas. At the same time, reports also suggest that many children and women, approximately 40,000, have been killed. Not only this, Israel has attacked schools, hospitals, and aid workers. Recently it targeted the West Bank. Israel launched airstrikes in different places such as Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Syria. 

This attack increased the chances of a big regional war. This week the attack of Israel compelled many people to think that Netanyahu never wanted to stop the conflict. These actions of Israel serve to spoil its relationship with other Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia. Saudi leaders never want to talk with Israel, fearing protest in their nation. 

US support for Israel become the reason for many problems.

This support of the US in Israel’s actions has caused many complexities. Some American officials have resigned in protest. While many protests have taken place in the universities of the United States. This environment of the US split the Democratic Party. President Biden has been criticized and called “Genocide Joe” by some. This criticism has hurt his chances in states with large Arab and Muslim populations. Furthermore, the US intelligence gave warning of increasing threats of terrorism and hate crimes against Jews and the Muslim community. One of the worst incidents was the killing of a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy by his landlord near Chicago. This murder highlights how the complex situation is affecting people everywhere across the world. 

The United States is struggling to influence Netanyahu and push for a ceasefire. This action of the United States makes it look weak globally. This was clear in April 2024. When the United Nations Security Council voted for the separate Palestinian state. At that time, the US was the only country that refused to vote. Many nations support the idea of the United Nations Security Council. 

The strong support of the United States towards Israel also harms its stance on other complexities. It includes the Ukraine-Russia war. The United States stands in favor of the decision of the International Criminal Court. ICC charges against Russian leaders, and the US supports it. At the same time, it ignores similar calls for accountability regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. This double behavior of the United States weakened the influence of this nation. Countries like China also step away from the US due to this hypocrisy because China engages more in the Middle East.

Now Kamala Harris has a chance to use US laws fairly for Israel and change this approach. She also has the opportunity to present a more balanced and credible policy, aligning with her values of justice and law.

There is a law in the United States to restrict military aid to foreign countries that break international rules and violate human rights. Despite knowing that Israel violates basic human rights, US support continues. 

The Biden Administration acknowledges misuse of the US weapons. Investigations are ongoing to determine if these transfers violate the United States laws protecting human rights and preventing genocide.

The United States ignored its laws and sent weapons to Israel. This resulted in legal challenges. Other countries, like the U.K. and Germany, have paused arms sales to Israel due to human rights issues. Kamala Harris has a chance to support peace efforts without damaging Israel’s position.