Chicago, Illinois – Kamala Harris delivered the closing speech at this year’s Democratic National Convention, leaving the audience ecstatic. However, outside the arena, a group of Palestinian rights supporters protested against Harris’s support for Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza. The convention’s “uncommitted” delegates, calling for an arms embargo on Israel, were disappointed as Harris reaffirmed the US’s support for the country. The contrast between the cheerful atmosphere inside the convention hall and the grief outside was stark, with many activists mourning the loss of lives in Gaza.
The demonstrators gathered outside the convention with Palestinian flags, chanting against the Israeli occupation and the Democratic Party’s stance on the conflict. Despite fears of unrest similar to the 1968 convention, protests remained peaceful. The activists expressed their frustrations, drawing parallels between the Gaza war and Vietnam, highlighting the need for change in US foreign policy.
While some Harris supporters at the convention expressed indifference to the protests, Palestinian rights advocates insisted on being heard. Although calls for a ceasefire were made, protesters argued that true peace could only be achieved by ending US military support for Israel. The uncommitted delegates’ efforts to include a Palestinian speaker at the convention were rejected, further deepening the divide between the party and the protesters.
The convention may be over, but the unresolved issue of Palestine could continue to haunt the Democratic Party. Activists remain determined to push for change and ensure that their voices are heard. The Democrats’ prioritization of Harris and reluctance to address the Gaza conflict may lead to long-term consequences for the party. The division between joy and grief in Chicago serves as a reminder that the fight for Palestinian rights is far from over.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
