Thousands Join March Protesting Gaza War Near DNC Venue
Peaceful protests calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and an end to U.S. support for Israel took place near the Democratic National Convention (DNC) venue on its opening day. An incident occurred as a group of protestors breached a security fence, leading to several arrests. Despite the unrest, the majority of demonstrators remained peaceful, their mass significantly less than the tens of thousands predicted by event organizers.
Biden Acknowledges Protestors
President Joe Biden addressed the protestors during his prime-time DNC farewell speech, expressing his agreement with some of their sentiments. “A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides,” he said, stating the necessity of a U.S.-brokered Gaza cease-fire, which so far, remains elusive.
Protests Highlight Party Division
Unrest in Chicago displays prominent division amongst Democrats on one of their most controversial issues – U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. A cluster of pro-Palestinian protestors managed to knock down a fence and breach the security perimeter of the convention, although, police say they did not penetrate the inner security barrier.
Many protestors see Vice President Kamala Harris and President Biden as indistinguishable, especially as Harris accepts the Democratic White House nomination after Biden bowed out of the race. Her nomination is seen by some as not significantly changing the party’s support for Israel. “The Democratic Party may present a new face, but its support for Israeli repression remains unchanged,” said a co-founder of Jisoor, a Palestinian youth organization in Chicago.
Split Among Protestors about Democratic Vote
Some protestors expressed clear intent to still vote Democratic, despite disagreements with the party’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Others indicated they would be voting for the Green Party, and others declared they would not be voting at all.
Protesters Voice Out Against Violence
Protestors could be heard chanting “No justice, no peace, U.S. out of the Middle East,” and “Kamala Harris is a cop, all this violence has to stop,” – criticizing Harris’s history as a prosecutor and attorney general of California. The message was clear – the violence, from all sides, needs to stop.
Israeli Counter-Protest
A small contingent of pro-Israel counter-protestors also made their presence known at the edge of Union Park, displaying the diverse range of opinion on the Israel-Gaza conflict amongst the local community.
Continued Protests Expected During Convention
Demonstrations are anticipated to carry on throughout the week during the convention. The intensifying conflict in Gaza, following Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, continues to stir international concern and domestic divisions.
