Kamala Harris says now is the time for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal

Washington: US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said in her Democratic National Convention speech on Thursday that now was the time for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Israel's war in Gaza.

"I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself," Harris said while adding "what has happened in Gaza is devastating", and "heartbreaking."

"President Biden and I are working to end this war 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 said.