Kamala Harris wins backing of key Muslim group over Gaza stance

A key US based Muslim organisation has announced they are backing Kamala Harris in the presidential bid, citing her proclaimed sympathy for Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's brutal war on the enclave.

The group is the political action arm of the Black Muslim Leadership Council NGO, which refused to endorse Joe Biden prior to when he pulled out of the election campaign.

The group was initially created in March in an effort to put pressure on the Biden administration to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza war, which has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians and injured over 90,000.

"[Harris] has shown more sympathy towards the people of Gaza then both President Biden and former President Donald Trump," Salima Suswell, the founder and chief executive of the organisation said in an interview.

She added that during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, Harris chose not to attend.

"She [Harris] has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, and I believe she has also expressed empathy towards civilian life and has been very caring as it relates to getting aid to the people of Gaza," Suswell added.

Harris’ campaign said they were “grateful” to the organisation for their support, as more groups who were against another Biden term declare their support for her.

"The vice-president is committed to combating Islamophobia wherever it exists and advancing opportunity for black Americans…we look forward to working with BMLC to win this November and defeat Donald Trump’s divisive, unpopular agenda," a Harris campaign spokesperson said.

Harris has made pro-Israel statements recently, saying she condemns any individuals associating with Hamas, adding "Israel has a right to defend itself". However, she also said "how it does so matters" and claimed she would "not be silent" about civilian deaths and suffering in Gaza.

Harris’s stance on Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip has raised hopes of a shift in US policy. The 59 year-old has previously also called for the establishment of a Palestinian state.