As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) unfolds in Chicago on August 19, 2024, a coalition of pro-Palestinian delegates, known as 'Delegates Against Genocide', is advocating for an arms embargo against Israel. This group, which includes dozens of Muslim delegates and allies, aims to amend the party platform and raise their concerns during high-profile speeches, including those by Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. They criticize the party's draft platform for failing to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where reports indicate that over 40,000 Palestinians have died due to the conflict [4973f73d].
The push for an arms embargo comes on the heels of the U.S. approving $20 billion in arms sales to Israel on August 13, 2024. This decision has intensified protests, with organizers expecting up to 100,000 demonstrators to gather in Chicago to voice their opposition to U.S. support for Israel [4973f73d]. Protesters have expressed strong anti-Israel sentiments, with some commentators highlighting the extreme beliefs present among the demonstrators [b2e35ac4].
Activists aligned with the 'uncommitted' movement, which emerged from dissatisfaction with President Biden's handling of the Israel-Gaza war, are also present at the convention. They have been pressuring Biden to commit to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to impose an arms embargo on Israel. Despite meeting with top Democrats, including Harris, who has supported negotiations for a ceasefire but rejected the arms embargo, the activists feel their voices are not being adequately heard [733bdbbb].
The 'uncommitted' movement has gained traction in critical swing states and is advocating for an anti-war agenda at the convention. They are particularly focused on candidates who oppose the ongoing violence in Gaza and are willing to confront the pro-Israel lobby. Some delegates have expressed concerns about supporting Biden due to his unwavering support for Israel, especially in light of the recent escalation in violence [9fc07e6f].
In addition to the protests, there are growing concerns about the economic policies of the Democratic leadership. Critics have pointed out that Kamala Harris's economic plan lacks detail and relies heavily on low-information voters. JD Vance has warned that Harris's energy policies could lead to job losses and increased electricity demand, while Eric Boehm has highlighted contradictions in the economic messaging from Biden and Harris [b2e35ac4].
As the DNC unfolds, the tension between pro-Palestinian activists and the Democratic establishment highlights a growing divide within the party regarding foreign policy and human rights issues, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict [4973f73d].