Kamala Harris tells pro-Palestine protesters ‘now is time for ceasefire’

US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris told pro-Palestine protesters that now is the time for a Gaza ceasefire, during a campaign rally in Arizona.

Around 15,000 people gathered at the rally in the city of Glendale, where Kamala is hoping to win to defeat Republican opponent Donald Trump.

Loud chants of "free, free Palestine" could be heard from the crowd.

"I have been clear, now is the time to get a ceasefire deal and get the hostage deal done," she said on Friday.

"The president and I are working around the clock every day to get that ceasefire deal done and bring the hostages home. I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about the race in 2024," she continued.

The speech came as the US said it will send an additional $3.5bn to Israel to spend on US made weapons and military equipment.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed on Friday that the department had notified Congress on Thursday that the Biden administration intended to release billions of dollars’ worth of foreign military financing to Israel.

Earlier this week, Harris was heckled during a rally in Michigan, where pro-Palestine protesters repeatedly shouted "Kamala, Kamala you can’t hide, we won’t vote for genocide."

"You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking," she responded in frustration.

Activists and protesters have said that Harris is yet to properly address the ceasefire, as she continues to tour to build momentum for her campaign in the lead up to the election.

Harris’ national security adviser also recently said on X that she would not support an arms embargo.

"She does not support an arms embargo on Israel," Phil Gordon said. "She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and to uphold international humanitarian law."

Harris is expected to come across more pro-Palestine protesters as she is set to head to Chicago later this month for the Democratic National Convention.

The US, Qatar and Egypt have called for Israel and Hamas to resume truce talks on 15 August as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.

At least 39,790 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza in October, with an additional 92,000 others wounded in the same time frame.