Biden Acknowledges Gaza Protesters at Democratic National Convention Amid Calls for Ceasefire

**Biden Acknowledges Gaza Protesters at Democratic National Convention Amid Calls for Ceasefire**

*By Running News Today*

On the opening day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), thousands of demonstrators gathered near the Chicago venue to protest U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing Gaza war. The largely peaceful march called for a ceasefire and highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party on the issue of Israel-Palestine. Although the protest turnout was smaller than expected, tensions flared when a small group of demonstrators broke through a security fence surrounding the convention site. 

President Joe Biden later acknowledged the protesters in his prime-time farewell speech, stating that "the protesters out on the street have a point" and emphasized that a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was crucial as "a lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides." His remarks reflect a growing divide within the party, as many progressives and younger Democrats push for a reassessment of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Protesters, many of whom were pro-Palestinian activists, criticized the Biden administration's continued support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Among the demonstrators was Omar Younes, a co-founder of the Palestinian youth organization Jisoor, who argued that despite a new Democratic leadership, U.S. support for "Israeli repression" remained unchanged. Others like Tallis George Munro expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris but also voiced their frustration with her stance on Israel, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among some voters.

As the protest marched along its 1.1-mile route, chants like "No justice, no peace, the US out of the Middle East" and "Kamala Harris is a cop, all this violence has to stop" echoed in the streets. The rally also included slogans such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," a controversial chant that some groups interpret as calling for the destruction of Israel. However, pro-Palestinian activists argue it is a call for freedom and justice.

A small contingent of pro-Israeli counter-protesters also made an appearance, though their numbers were dwarfed by the larger pro-Palestinian group. Demonstrators came from across the country to show their support for Gaza, including long-time Palestinian rights activists like Karyna Lemus of the Colorado Springs People’s Coalition. "I hope they hear us inside," Lemus said, hoping their voices would influence the decisions of the DNC delegates.

Throughout the week, protests are expected to continue as the convention proceeds, underscoring the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The protests come in the wake of Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which was launched after an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. In response, more than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

As divisions over the Gaza conflict persist, the Democratic Party finds itself at a crossroads, with pressure mounting from progressives and activists for a change in the U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The DNC will continue to navigate these challenges as it moves forward with its 2024 campaign.

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