Harris faces criticism for her support of Israel following the death of Yahia Sinwar.

Kamala Harris has taken advantage of her tour through the contested states of the East to address a hot topic in international politics: the death of Yahia Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, at the hands of the Israeli army. In an emotional message delivered from Wisconsin, the Vice President not only recalled the terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, which resulted in a devastating toll of 1,200 Jews killed and 250 people kidnapped, but also reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself. According to Harris, the elimination of Sinwar represents a unique opportunity to end the war in Gaza.

Harris did not hold back in her comments regarding Sinwar, whom she described as someone who “had American blood on his hands,” making it clear that his death could provide relief to the families of the victims. The Vice President emphasized that the threat posed by Hamas must be eradicated and celebrated the reduction of this terrorist organization's power as a step towards peace. However, her speech has not been without criticism, especially from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which has questioned the Biden administration's support for Netanyahu's policies.

Harris's assertion that this moment could be the opportunity to "finally end the war in Gaza" resonates in a context where support for Palestinian rights has become a hot topic in the American political debate. Despite this, the Vice President has maintained a firm stance in favor of Israel, leading to tensions within her own party. Many progressives see this position as a betrayal of the values of justice and equity that the party promotes.

Not only has Harris commented on Sinwar's death; President Joe Biden has also made statements regarding it. Comparing this operation to the elimination of Osama Bin Laden in 2011, Biden defended Israel's action as a right to eliminate a threat that has cost lives. “Hamas will no longer have the capacity to carry out another October 7,” the President assured, in an attempt to reassure the American public about security and the future of the region.

However, despite the optimistic statements from Harris and Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been more cautious. In his remarks, Netanyahu has dismissed the idea that Sinwar's death marks the end of the conflict, suggesting that the fight against Hamas and the search for stability in Gaza are still ongoing tasks. This disparity in visions regarding the future of the region reflects the inherent complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The situation in Gaza remains volatile, and the death of a leader like Sinwar could provoke unpredictable reactions. As Israeli defense policy strengthens with such operations, the long-term implications for relations with Arab countries and the international community must also be considered. The possibility of a shift in the power dynamics in the region is at stake, and the future of Gaza remains uncertain.

As the 2024 elections approach, issues of foreign policy and international crisis management have become crucial for candidates. Harris's stance on these events could influence her electoral support, both locally and nationally. Progressive voters are closely watching the actions and decisions of their leaders, and any misstep could be fatal in such a closely contested electoral race.

The challenge for Harris will be to find a balance between her support for Israel and her commitment to human rights and peace in the region. If she fails to reconcile these positions, she could lose the support of an electorate that is increasingly aware of the injustices faced by Palestinians. In this scenario, the path to the 2024 elections presents itself as a labyrinth filled with difficult decisions and unpredictable consequences.

Ultimately, the death of Yahia Sinwar has not only altered the current landscape in Gaza but has also reconfigured the political dynamics within the United States. As Democratic candidates navigate these turbulent waters, Harris's approach could be an indicator of how Middle Eastern issues will be addressed in the upcoming administration, regardless of who occupies the White House.