Thousands of protesters gathered near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to demand an end to United States support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Demonstrators, including Palestinian rights advocates, stated that they would not vote for Vice President Kamala Harris unless she agrees to an arms embargo against Israel. The protest, titled the “March on the DNC,” called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Despite Harris acknowledging Palestinian suffering in Gaza, many protesters dismissed her empathy as “lip service” and demanded real action to end US-backed human rights abuses against Palestinians. While Harris has expressed concern about the war in Gaza, she has not promised any policy changes on the issue, disappointing anti-war demonstrators.
Protesters in Chicago criticized the Democratic Party for its support of Israel and its failure to bring about meaningful change. Demonstrators vowed to continue protesting throughout the week until the convention concludes on Thursday. Inside the convention, “uncommitted” delegates representing anti-war sentiments from the Democratic primaries called for a change in US policy towards Gaza.
Demonstrators emphasized that their demands for justice for Palestinians will not be easily dismissed and that the issue of US support for Israel’s war in Gaza is a critical one that transcends many people’s lives. The ongoing protests in Chicago highlight the deepening divide within the Democratic Party over its approach to the conflict in Gaza and its support for Israel.
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