Vice President Kamala Harris ignited applause at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) with her remarks on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Her speech came amidst ongoing protests criticizing the Democratic Party’s stance on the conflict, including demonstrations in Chicago where protesters burned flags and clashed with police. Critics pointed out the absence of a Palestinian speaker at the DNC, putting Harris in a delicate position to balance support for both pro-Israel advocates and the Uncommitted movement in key swing states.
During her nomination acceptance speech, Harris emphasized the administration’s efforts to negotiate for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. “Let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself,” she stated, referencing the tragedy of the October 7 attacks by Hamas that led to the loss of many lives, including at the Nova Music Festival. Despite not condemning Israel’s military response directly, she described the suffering in Gaza as “heartbreaking.”
Harris articulated the goal of ending the conflict while ensuring Israel’s security and advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people. Scattered shouts of “Free Palestine” arose during her speech, but her closing remarks garnered significant applause from the audience.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
The Democratic Party currently grapples with its response to the Israel-Gaza situation. Many Democrats express mixed feelings on military aid to Israel, as indicated by a recent poll showing 42% favoring a decrease, while only 10% support an increase.
Despite her attempts to strike a balance, Harris’s comments may not satisfy pro-Palestinian groups who criticize her for requesting a ceasefire while the Biden administration continues to provide military support. Activists at a pro-Palestinian DNC panel urged Harris to adopt their demands, such as an immediate arms embargo, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize key swing states, notably Michigan, where many Arab and Muslim Americans reside.
Following her speech, the Uncommitted Movement took to social media, demanding that Harris cease arms to Israel and meet with Arab-American constituents by mid-September.
Those at the DNC also heard poignant accounts from Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of a hostage taken during the October 7 attacks. Their emotional appeal reminded participants of the heartbreaking impact of the ongoing violence on families across the board, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire to alleviate suffering on all sides.