As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are both taking a break from campaigning in battleground states on Monday to memorialize the anniversary of the Oct.7 Hamas attacks on Israel.Harris is scheduled to mark the day by planting a memorial tree on the grounds of the vice president's residence to honor the victims of the attacks and to deliver remarks to a small group of press, the White House announced.
Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at a remembrance event with Jewish community leaders at his own property Trump National Doral Miami, his campaign announced.Following Hamas' attacks on Israel on Oct, 7, 2023, and Israel's ensuing assaults on Gaza, the conflict in the Middle East has become one of the top issues this election cycle.Pressure for a cease-fire has created a rift within the Democratic Party and Republicans are attempting to capitalize on that moment while Trump's own inflammatory comments continue to face pushback from critics.Tune into ABC News Live at 4 p.m.
and 8:30 p.m.on Monday, Oct.
7, for "Oct 7th: Race to Survive" -- special coverage of the anniversary of the conflict.Veteran correspondent Matt Gutman highlights voices of Israelis and Palestinians impacted by the war and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.MORE: 1 year into the Israel-Hamas war: The grim human toll by the numbersPeople look at a memorial for victims of the bloody Oct.
7 cross-border attack by Hamas militants on the one-year anniversary of the attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct.7, 2024.Oded Balilty/APSince Hamas launched its surprise terrorist attack in Israel one year ago, and Israel responded by declaring war, thousands have reportedly been killed or injured.
Israel has said its goal is to destroy Hamas and that it attempts to minimize civilian casualties as often as possible.Meanwhile, a humanitarian crisis has unfolded in Gaza, including the collapse of the health care system.Harris, while stress...