On the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president with a powerful call to end the war in Gaza and to fight tyranny around the world.

“In the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where the United States belongs,” Harris declared, accusing Trump of bowing down to dictators. The 59-year-old candidate pledged to chart a “New Way Forward” as she and Trump, 78, enter the final 11 weeks of a closely contested campaign.

Harris emerged as the Democratic candidate just over a month ago when President Joe Biden, aged 81, was pressured by his allies to exit the race. Her acceptance speech was a defining moment for a candidate who had previously struggled to articulate her vision for the country amidst a barrage of personal attacks from Trump. The former president mocked her Black and South Asian heritage and questioned her strength on the global stage.

In her speech, Harris laid out broad policy principles but stopped short of providing specific details. However, her strong foreign policy statements, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, resonated with the crowd. After days of protests from Palestinian supporters who were disappointed by the lack of a speaking spot at the convention, Harris delivered a firm pledge to secure Israel, bring hostages home from Gaza, and end the war in the Palestinian enclave.

“Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done,” Harris said to cheers. “And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.”

She acknowledged the devastating impact of the Gaza conflict, saying, “What has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost, desperate hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”

Harris vowed to work towards ending the war in a way that secures Israel, releases hostages, and recognises the Palestinian people’s right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.