As the Democratic convention unfolds this week, pro-Palestinian groups are gearing up for a significant march outside the heavily guarded perimeter. The march is expected to draw tens of thousands of individuals in opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.
Inside the convention, there is a sense of uncertainty regarding how the Democratic National Committee and Vice President Kamala Harris will address the issue. Activists are urging for a tougher stance against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
The Uncommitted National Movement, which gained prominence during the Democratic presidential primary, is calling for a pediatrician recently returned from Gaza to be given a primetime speaking slot. Additionally, they are pushing for policy changes, including an arms embargo against Israel.
The atmosphere at the convention is a mix of excitement over Harris' new campaign and frustration among pro-Palestinian factions towards President Joe Biden's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. While there have been disruptions during Harris' speeches and planned campus demonstrations, leaders of the movement are now focusing on quieter forms of advocacy to influence US policy.
Despite the ongoing discussions, there are no Palestinian-American speakers scheduled to speak at the convention. The DNC has not provided clarity on who will occupy key speaking slots and how they will address the contentious issue of US-Israel relations.
According to a source involved in convention planning, there is some uncertainty within the DNC on how to address the demands from activists. However, there is a shared sense of goodwill between the parties as they navigate these complex issues.
