WASHINGTON — US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday firmly rejected the possibility of imposing an American arms embargo on Israel as it continues its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

“I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself, and that’s not going to change,” Harris said in her first interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for president.

Pressed on whether she would support any changes to US military assistance to Israel, Harris simply responded: “No.”

She emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself, stating, “Israel has a right to defend itself. We would, and how it does so matters.”

While acknowledging that “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed,” referring to the death toll in Gaza that has surpassed 40,000 —mostly women and children— Harris maintained her stance on supporting Israel.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and over 92,740 Palestinians have been injured as the conflict enters its tenth month, with bodies still trapped under rubble caused by ongoing Israeli bombardments.

Harris also called for an urgent end to the conflict: “We have got to get a deal done. This war must end, and we must secure a cease-fire that ensures the release of hostages,” she said, highlighting her commitment to working toward a two-state solution.

The conflict escalated following an attack by Hamas on October 7 last year, killing approximately 1,139 people in Israel and taking around 250 hostages, of whom over 100 remain captive. Israel’s military response has been met with accusations of genocide, with the International Court of Justice ordering a halt to operations in Rafah, an order that has not been followed. — Agencies