Opinion: Kamala, Hear the Voters: Palestine Deserves Our Support

Vice President Harris will be addressing the Democratic National Convention today, marking a significant milestone for representation in the United States. Her nomination as the first Black and Asian woman to secure a major party’s nomination symbolizes hope for many in communities of color. However, for numerous Americans, this new direction needs to diverge markedly from that of President Biden and past administrations regarding the conflict in Gaza and the rights of Palestinians.

As a Palestinian American and an elected Democrat in the Colorado State House, I have found it deeply troubling to observe President Biden facilitating Israel’s violent actions in Gaza through the provision of billions in U.S. military aid. Historically, Israel has received the largest share of U.S. foreign military assistance, recently joined by Ukraine due to Russia’s incursions. Over the last ten months alone, the U.S. has delivered weapons to Israel every four days, amounting to over $18 billion in arms. The approval of an additional $20 billion in military funding only exacerbates this issue.

My constituents are acutely aware of the vast sums allocated to Israel each year. This prompts critical conversations about what could be accomplished if those funds were invested in vital services such as education, housing, and healthcare within our own communities.

The recent escalation in violence has resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Palestinians, including over 15,000 children. Israel’s tactics have included the use of starvation as a weapon, blatantly crossing lines set by Biden. Both the International Court of Justice and a U.S. federal court have found evidence suggesting that Israel could be culpable of genocide, prompting an investigation.

This past May, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister on charges of war crimes. Subsequently, in July, the International Court of Justice declared that Israel’s military governance over Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem breaches international law, amounting to apartheid.

In response to the court’s ruling, Israel’s parliament voted overwhelmingly against the establishment of a Palestinian state, officially codifying a stance that has lingered as an unofficial policy for decades. This rejectionist outlook complicates matters significantly for the U.S.

For many years, the U.S. has leaned heavily on the two-state solution as its primary narrative, often to evade the uncomfortable realities of Israel’s apartheid regime. However, Israel’s actions continue to undermine this narrative increasingly.

Biden has largely maintained the practices of his predecessors by offering unconditional support to Israel, even in the face of its violations of international norms. This behavior has fostered a sense of invulnerability among Israeli leaders, resulting in an escalated current crisis.

Earlier in the year, more than 750,000 voters in the Democratic primaries opted for an “uncommitted” designation, signaling a strong desire for change.

While Harris has expressed empathy for the suffering of Palestinians—something not commonly reflected in Biden’s stance—she has yet to suggest any substantive change in policy. Her notable absence during Netanyahu’s recent address to Congress, along with her selection of Tim Walz as her running mate, may indicate a slight shift toward progressive values and support for Palestinian rights.

That said, these gestures need to be complemented by tangible policy modifications. Though Harris has ruled out an arms embargo—long advocated by human rights groups—she does support a ceasefire. To achieve a lasting ceasefire and reduce the risk of a wider regional conflict, it is crucial for the U.S. to cease its arms shipments that contribute to the ongoing violence.

As a former attorney general and now vice president, Harris has sworn to uphold the Constitution, a responsibility that includes enforcing regulations that prevent the transfer of weapons to military forces implicated in gross human rights abuses. Yet, U.S.-manufactured bombs continue to inflict damage on Palestinians seeking refuge in schools, hospitals, and makeshift shelters.

Harris holds the potential to champion human rights impartially. Doing so would not only align with ethical principles but could also enhance her appeal come November.

Polling data and recent demonstrations indicate that a majority of Democrats favor an immediate ceasefire and a reevaluation of U.S. policy regarding Israel and Palestine. Many support imposing sanctions on Israel concerning settlement expansions, showcasing a greater inclination to empathize with Palestinians over Israelis. Notably, many Americans across the political spectrum advocate for a ceasefire, the cessation of military aid to Israel until it halts its attacks on Gaza, and a neutral stance from the U.S.

If Harris embraces policy changes, she might regain the support of diverse communities—including Arab and Muslim voters, young people, people of color, progressives, and anti-war advocates—who have distanced themselves from the Democratic Party in recent months.

The Democratic Party’s national platform emphasizes a commitment to advocating for human rights globally. This week presents an opportunity for the party to amend its stance on the Gaza conflict and reaffirm its dedication to democratic values.

Source: Various News Outlets