Where do Kamala and Trump stand on the Israel-Gaza war?
With less than 36 hours until polls open, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are ramping up their efforts to sway undecided voters in key swing states.
The ongoing Gaza conflict is a major issue, particularly for Harris, who addressed the concerns of the Arab-American community at a rally at Michigan State University.
Polls indicate that the race is historically tight, with many key states effectively tied. Over 77.6 million early votes have been cast, about half of the total ballots from 2020.
Let’s take a closer look at their positions on this critical issue.
Kamala Harris - U.S Vice President and Democratic candidate
Harris has expressed her commitment to ending the violence, acknowledging the challenges this year has brought.
She has reiterated her support for Israel and the importance of securing the release of hostages, while also endorsing the U.S. stance that a two-state solution would provide Palestinians with security and sovereignty, according to the New York Times.
She initially advocated for a cease-fire in early March and has been more outspoken than President Biden regarding the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's bombardment and invasion of Gaza.
At a raucous rally at Michigan State University just 36 hours before the elections, she emphasised the need to address the concerns of the Arab-American community, which has voiced anger over the U.S. handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
"I want to say, this year has been difficult, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and given the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon. It is devastating and as president, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza," the AFP quoted Harris.
"To bring home the hostages, end the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure, and ensure the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination," she added.
Donald Trump - Former U.S. president and Republican candidate
Trump has reiterated his backing for Israel's invasion and bombardment of Gaza. He has urged Israel to “finish up” suggesting it is losing public support.
Trump has also generally called for an end to the war in Gaza but has not specified a clear plan for how to achieve that goal.
“I don’t think the cease-fire [in Gaza] is his priority” adding that Trump is likely to “not constrain Israel in any way in how it responds or threatens to respond” to Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas, James Carafano, a fellow at the right-wing think tank Heritage Foundation and a member of the first Trump administration’s transition team said.
Donald Trump sees himself as a protector of Israel. "You have a big protector in me. You don't have a protector on the other side," Trump said at the Israeli-American Council summit in October 2024.
Harris is focusing on boosting support among Black voters while highlighting the significant turnout among women, who are concerned about abortion rights.
Trump remains confident, predicting a "landslide" victory, even as he indicates he may not accept a defeat.
With the election approaching, both candidates are making their final appeals in what is shaping up to be a historically close contest.
