Democrats to show support for Israel at DNC ​​as Chicago protests begin

The Democratic Party has reaffirmed its support for Israel, despite the division among its supporters on the issue, as pro-Palestinian protests begin in Chicago.

Democrats released their party platform document on Sunday, which outlines its policy priorities, to be voted on by delegates Monday night.

The 92-page document says the US “strongly supports Israel in the fight against Hamas” and makes no mention of an arms embargo on Israel, which several groups have called for.

It comes just one day before the Democratic National Convention (DNC) begins on Monday, when “tens of thousands” of demonstrators are expected to protest the country’s support for Israel, according to US Palestinian Community Network National President Hatem Abudayyeh.

The group is one of those working in a coalition called “March on DNC2024” calling for the US to “stand with Palestine and demand an end to aid to Israel.”

About 1,000 protesters marched through downtown Chicago on Sunday night chanting “shut down the DNC,” according to a Reuters report.

They disrupted a welcome party for delegates, with a clip on social media showing a protester shouting: “You are funding genocide. The Harris-Biden administration continues to send money to Israel.”

When Harris replaced Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee in July, there were questions about whether he would take a harder line on Israel.

Linda Loew said an organizer of the Bodies Beyond Unjust Laws coalition POLICY: “Of course there is a change in tone and for many, a breath of fresh air.”

But she went on to say that “rhetoric and promises are simply not enough,” adding: “We need to see action.”

Indeed, the Democratic Party’s platform document also calls for an “immediate and lasting cease-fire agreement” that would bring about the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

It also declares support for a “negotiated two-state solution” that “secures Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state with recognized borders and upholds the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and security in a viable state of their own.”

Commenting on Harris’ stance and the upcoming protests, spokeswoman Lauren Hitt said POLICY: “The Vice President believes that making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans.

“Vice President Harris supports the agreements currently on the table for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and the release of the hostages.”

Newsweek has reached out to Harris’ campaign team for further comment.

It comes as President Joe Biden’s administration pushes for a breakthrough in cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.

The White House was apparently positive about the possibility of success, with a senior Biden administration official previously saying the goal was to reach a deal “within the next week” on Friday.

But a senior Hamas official has since said Newsweek the US government provides this positive image to ease tensions for the election.

“They need a cease-fire agreement for internal reasons related to the elections,” said Basem Naim, a spokesman and former health minister for Hamas.

Similarly, spokesman Sami Abu Zahri told Reuters on Friday that “the US administration is trying to spread a falsely positive atmosphere and is not serious about stopping the war.”

When it came to responding to those reactions from Hamas, the senior Biden administration official, who spoke to reporters on Friday about the deal, said: “I wouldn’t take anything too seriously.”