CHICAGO – Democrats gathered in Chicago Monday to kick-off a national convention that will culminate in the nomination of VP Kamala Harris as the party presidential nominee. Protesters from seeking to bring attention to violence in Palestine that the
, the Evergreen State’s chapter of the national Uncommitted Delegates movement, joined the chorus of voices challenging party leaders to speak up on violence against Palestinians.
“Over 80% of Democrats are in favor of an immediate permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a return of all hostages. Uncommitted WA’s grassroots-led movement will continue using their voices and votes to secure fair policies that ensure human rights and dignity for all,” the organization said in a statement to NonStop Local.
Delegates hope to push Democrats to condemn ethnic cleansing efforts allegedly perpetrated by the Israeli government against Palestinians since the Israeli-Hamas War began in October 2023.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have hesitated to condemn Israeli aggression despite the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity in Gaza in late May.
When confronted by protesters chanting “we won’t vote for genocide” at an Aug. 7 rally in Detroit, the vice president condemned the display.
“If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that,” Harris responded.
While national convention organizers hope that the event will serve as a victory-lap for Harris, Monday signaled that the violence in Gaza could continue to be a messaging concern for Democrats.
Washington delegate Sebrene Odeh is unimpressed by the Biden Administration’s continued support of the Israeli military, which allegedly
“We believe in the inherent dignity of every human being. It’s time to align our actions with our values and enact an immediate ceasefire,” Odeh said.
