At the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, pro-Palestinian delegates were denied the chance to discuss the impact of Israel’s war on Gaza, despite pro-Israeli speakers being featured.
According to The Washington Post, convention organizers rejected a request to include a speaker addressing the devastation in Gaza.
The request came from “uncommitted” delegates who have withheld support for Vice President Kamala Harris in protest of the Biden administration’s firm support for Israel during the conflict.
The delegates had hoped to include a speaker to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but were denied without explanation.
Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, criticized the decision, stating that the matter is far from resolved.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also condemned the decision, urging the DNC to reverse its stance and recognize the humanity of Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, whose son was taken hostage by Hamas during an attack, were given the stage and received a warm reception from delegates.
They emphasized that their plea for the return of their son and other hostages is a humanitarian issue, not a political one.
In response, pro-Palestinian delegates organized a sit-in protest outside the convention, criticizing the lack of representation for Palestinian Americans.
The group Muslim Women For Harris-Walz announced that they could no longer support Vice President Harris in light of this decision, stating that the Israeli family on stage showed more empathy toward Palestinians than the DNC or Harris’ team.
They called on the DNC to reconsider their decision before the convention ended.
Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has led to significant devastation, with over 40,200 Palestinians killed and nearly 93,000 injured, according to local health authorities.
The situation has been exacerbated by a blockade on essential supplies like food, water, and medicine, leading to widespread destruction and severe humanitarian conditions.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
