Pro-Palestinian delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago were denied the opportunity to speak about the impact of Israel’s war on Gaza, despite the inclusion of pro-Israeli voices.
Convention organizers turned down a request from “uncommitted” delegates, who are withholding support for Vice President Kamala Harris due to her administration’s support for Israel. The delegates wanted a speaker to address the devastation in Gaza, but their request was denied without explanation, according to The Washington Post.
Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, expressed strong disapproval, stating, “That’s unacceptable to us. This is not over.”
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also criticized the decision, urging the DNC to reconsider. On social media, she stated, “To deny that story is to participate in the dehumanization of Palestinians. The DNC must change course and affirm our shared humanity.”
In contrast, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, whose son was taken hostage by Hamas, spoke at the convention and received an extended ovation. They emphasized the humanitarian aspect of their plight and expressed support for the Biden administration’s efforts on a hostage deal.
In response to the exclusion of a Palestinian speaker, Uncommitted delegates and supporters staged a sit-in protest outside the convention. Muslim Women For Harris-Walz announced their disbandment, criticizing the DNC for lacking empathy toward Palestinians and calling for a reevaluation of their decision.
The ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 40,200 Palestinian deaths and nearly 93,000 injuries, according to local health authorities. The blockade has left much of Gaza in ruins, with severe shortages of essential supplies. Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the region.
