Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, addresses pro-Palestine protesters in Michigan – home to a large Arab and Muslim-American community – saying they are “speaking out for all the right reasons” amid Israel’s war on Gaza.

Walz made the remarks during an interview with Michigan TV station WCMU, where he was questioned about whether he and his presidential running mate, Kamala Harris, would diverge from President Joe Biden’s current policy on the war.

Walz responded that the people of Israel have “the right to defend themselves”, but that “we can’t allow what’s happened in Gaza to happen”.

“The Palestinian people have every right to life and liberty themselves,” said Walz. “We need to continue, I think to put the leverage on to make sure we move towards a two-state solution.”

He added: “I think those folks who are speaking out loudly in Michigan are speaking out for all the right reasons. It’s a humanitarian crisis. It can’t stand the way it is.”