Democratic National Convention officials rejected a request to allow Palestinian Americans to speak from the conference’s main stage. In protest of that decision, a group of “Uncommitted” delegates critical of the party’s stance on the war, staged a sit-in in front of the United Center Wednesday evening as party leaders continued speaking inside

DNC organizers did not comment on the record on their decision to exclude Palestinian American speakers from the main stage at the four-day convention.

Earlier this month, they had suggested as a speaker Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care physician who most recently treated patients in Gaza with the nonprofit Medical Aid for Palestinians. Delegates also proposed a number of Palestinian American elected officials to DNC officials. Until Wednesday, Uncommitted members had expressed that negotiations with the DNC had proceeded in good faith.

As the party coalesced support around Harris in recent months, delegates committed to Harris also joined the Uncommitted movement’s push for a ceasefire and change in Israel policy. At least 200 Harris delegates signed a pledge pushing the administration to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Harris has called for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians in Gaza, though it’s not yet clear whether her administration would adopt a policy toward Israel that differs from Biden’s.

Among the Harris delegates opposing U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza were several who unfurled a banner during Biden’s speech on Monday with the message, “Stop Arming Israel.” Other delegates seated around them responded by hitting and blocking them with “We Love Joe” signs and eventually snatched the banner away. Delegate Nadia Ahmad filed a complaint with Chicago Police on Wednesday alleging that she was the victim of simple battery.

  • aleph@lemm.ee
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    4 months ago

    Sorry, that’s completely wrong. Israel is still extremely reliant on the US military hardware – tanks, planes, missiles, guns, you name it. The vast majority of the bombs being dropped on Gaza come from the US, also.

    https://www.npr.org/2024/04/04/1242911786/a-closer-look-at-u-s-military-support-for-israel

    https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/11/us/israel-gaza-bombs.html

    Also, the Biden administration merely delayed one shipment of 2,000 lb bombs. Netanyahu claimed that the Biden administration was holding back more, but this was just a PR move. The US is still happily sending tank engines, planes, guns, and smaller bombs to Israel.

    Al in all, the Biden administration has done very little to effectively restrain Netanyahu. The “bear hug” strategy has been an unmitigated failure.

    • Olhonestjim@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      Ok, I’m wrong then. I’m happy to report Biden isn’t running again. Are you advocating to boycott the vote?

      • aleph@lemm.ee
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        4 months ago

        I’m not advocating either way, although the horrors I’ve seen committed in Gaza are on a whole other level than anything I’ve witnessed before.

        I wouldn’t blame anyone who votes third party, or even sits this one out.

      • aleph@lemm.ee
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        4 months ago

        I’m not advocating either way, although the horrors I’ve seen happening in Gaza are on a whole other level than anything I’ve witnessed before.

        I wouldn’t blame anyone who votes third party, or even sits this one out

        • Olhonestjim@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          And whoever does that is a damned fool for letting Trump win.

          I don’t need to know every detail of the financials to know that.

          • IAmNotACat@lemmy.world
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            4 months ago

            You are literally in here trying to absolve the US from their role in an active genocide. You don’t get to moralise about damned fools.

            If I still lived in America, I’d be voting Democrat because I think it’d be stupid to do otherwise, but your political stance is genuinely disgusting.

            • Olhonestjim@lemmy.world
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              4 months ago

              Not even slightly. I was pointing out that Democrats are the only ones who are going to work against it. I was mistaken about the financials.

              You just read into it whatever you wanted.

              • IAmNotACat@lemmy.world
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                4 months ago

                You are not in any position to say they are going to work against it if you are mistaken about a key component of it such as the financials.