(Web Desk) - The vice president said Palestinians 'deserve equal measures of safety and security' amid the ongoing war
Vice President Kamala Harris said there are no current plans to send United States combat troops to Gaza or Iran amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Speaking to CBS' Bill Whitaker for an interview that aired on '60 Minutes' on Sunday, Harris responded to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran and affirmed there are no intentions on a ground war on the part of the U.S.
"We have absolutely no intention nor do we have any plans to send combat troops into Israel or Gaza, period," Harris told Whitaker.
Harris said the U.S. supports Israel's right to defend itself, but echoed other U.S. officials when saying they must adhere to the rules of war and avoid civilian casualties in Gaza, which has been struck repeatedly as Israel responds to Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that claimed more than 1400 lives.
"A terrorist organization, Hamas, slaughtered hundreds of young people at a concert. By most estimates at least fourteen hundred Israelis are dead. Israel, without any question, has a right to defend itself," Harris said.
"That being said, it is very important that there be no conflation between Hamas and the Palestinians.
The Palestinians deserve equal measures of safety and security, self-determination and dignity, and we have been very clear that the rules of war must be adhered to and that there be humanitarian aid that flows."