From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Hailing Sinwar’s killing, VP says any terrorist who threatens US interests should know that they’ll be brought to justice
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Vice President Kamala Harris hails Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, noting that “he had American blood on his hands.”
“Any terrorist who kills Americans, threatens the American people or threatens our troops or our interests, know this — we will always bring you to justice,” Harris says in a statement to reporters.
“Israel has a right to defend itself, and the threat Hamas poses to Israel must be eliminated. Today, there is clear progress toward that goal. Hamas is decimated and its leadership is eliminated,” she says.
“This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza. And it must end 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,” Harris adds.
“And it is time for the ‘day after’ to begin — without Hamas in power. We will not give up on these goals, and I will always work to create a future of peace, dignity and security for all,” Harris says.
