Pro-Palestinian Delegates Say Kamala Harris’ Election Tied to Israel Arms Embargo

In Chicago, a coalition of uncommitted delegates attending the Democratic National Convention has raised serious concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’s chances in the upcoming presidential election. They argue that her failure to address demands for an arms embargo and an immediate cease-fire in Gaza could jeopardize her support.

Amidst these tensions, the group emphasized that disruptions inside the convention hall cannot be ruled out. Layla Elabed, a Palestinian-American activist from Dearborn, Michigan, expressed the urgency of their message, stating, “We want our voices to be heard in a way that moves us forward.” Elabed is one of the founders of the Uncommitted National Movement, created to encourage President Joe Biden’s administration to advocate for an Israeli cease-fire by withholding support during the primaries.

At present, only around 30 out of 4,995 delegates—representing less than 1%—have been designated as uncommitted, primarily from a handful of states. However, with Biden stepping aside, the focus has shifted to Harris, who recently secured the Democratic nomination. Consequently, uncommitted delegates and their supporters have been aligning with Harris delegates, urging them to adopt a cease-fire stance for the convention.

As of Monday morning, leaders of the movement reported that over 160 Harris delegates had declared themselves as cease-fire supporters. This designation does not require a formal vote, as it is not integrated into the party platform, but many plan to wear pins or carry signs to convey their message. They hope to amplify their voices should chants erupt during the convention proceedings.

In a significant concession, a designated space for press conferences, testimonials, and vigils has been established at McCormick Place, coinciding with the Democratic Party’s use of the venue for other events surrounding the convention. This location will serve to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza since Israel’s military response to Hamas’s assault last month.

A notable panel discussion is set to take place featuring prominent voices, including Elabed and Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care surgeon with experience working in Gaza. Other participants include Hala Hijazi, a Democratic organizer with personal losses in Gaza, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Organizers claim this marks the first time the Democratic Party has included a panel focused on Palestinian human rights as part of its official convention events.

Despite these developments, a request for a Palestinian-American representative to speak at the main convention stage remains unanswered, stirring a mix of anticipation and frustration among advocates. “They haven’t said no,” Elabed commented, maintaining a hopeful outlook.

President Biden is scheduled to address the convention from the main stage Monday night, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East to explore a potential cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Harris has attempted to engage with pro-Palestinian organizers prior to the convention, having met with Elabed and others at a recent rally in metro Detroit. Her campaign has also been in touch with Arab-American and Jewish leaders in the region.

A collective of uncommitted delegates, including Illinois State Rep. Lilian Jimenez, who also identifies as a cease-fire delegate, met with reporters on Monday morning. They expressed critical sentiments towards both the Biden administration and Harris, emphasizing that her current stance lacks a clear plan to protect civilians in Gaza. “Without a real plan, we can’t encourage voters to back her,” they argued.

Abbas Alawieh, another co-founder of the uncommitted movement, stressed that simply urging trust is insufficient for the Harris campaign, particularly within Arab-American and Muslim communities. He argued, “We need Vice President Harris to clarify how she would act differently from the Biden administration.” Alawieh noted that while the Biden administration has called for a cease-fire, it has not used U.S. aid to Israel as leverage to drive the demand.

Elabed remarked that Harris’s likelihood of winning states like Michigan could be jeopardized by her reluctance to adopt more decisive policies regarding the cease-fire and arms shipments to Israel. While polling indicates Harris has been performing better than Biden against former President Donald Trump, the potential consequences of a more pronounced position on the Israel conflict remain uncertain.

Some delegates believe there is widespread support among Democrats for a cease-fire and an arms embargo, with one delegate asserting that “everyone is supportive of these two things.” However, national surveys reveal a more complex landscape. A recent poll showed that while 81% of Democrats favored a cease-fire, support plummeted to 43% when asked about a cease-fire without the release of hostages by Hamas.

Alawieh, recalling a dismissive experience he faced when proposing a more humane Gaza policy during a virtual meeting, highlighted the ongoing challenge of addressing misconceptions about Palestinians. “Those are real people (who are dying in Gaza). That needs to stop now,” he asserted, urging immediate action that Harris could initiate.

Source: Detroit Free Press