
Thu Sep 25 11:55:11 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, during the New York launch of her book “107 Days” about her brief presidential campaign after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She expressed compassion for Palestinians, criticized former President Donald Trump for his unconditional support of Israel, and defended her past public stance on the issue, even acknowledging friction within the Biden administration at the time. The event was marked by protests, highlighting the divisive nature of the conflict within the Democratic party and the wider US. Trump responded to Harris’s criticism with personal attacks on social media.
**News Article:**
**Harris Condemns Trump’s ‘Blank Check’ to Israel Amid Gaza Protests at Book Launch**
**New York, September 25, 2025 (The Hindu)** – Former Vice President Kamala Harris faced a baptism by fire during the first stop of her book tour in New York City on Wednesday, as she was repeatedly confronted by pro-Palestinian protesters while discussing her new book, “107 Days,” which chronicles her whirlwind 2024 presidential campaign.
Harris used the opportunity to express compassion for Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and to sharply criticize former President Donald Trump’s unwavering support for the Israeli government. “What’s happening to the Palestinian people is outrageous and it breaks my heart,” Harris told the audience, adding, “Donald Trump has given [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu a blank cheque to do whatever he wants.”
The launch event, held at a Times Square performance center, was met with demonstrations both inside and outside the venue. Activists accused Harris of complicity in the ongoing violence. While addressing the protesters, Harris referenced her past support for New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has been vocal in his criticism of the war. She also noted that she had previously faced internal criticism from the Biden administration for speaking out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while serving as Vice President.
The former Vice President also used the event to hit back at Trump. Earlier in the day, Trump attacked Harris on social media, labeling her “DUMB AS A ROCK” after she reiterated that the 2024 election loss was the closest of the 21st century.