Democratic National Convention Faces Backlash for Excluding Pro-Palestinian Speakers on Gaza Crisis

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago faced a major controversy this week when pro-Palestinian delegates were barred from speaking about the devastating impact of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. 

Despite their efforts, convention organizers denied their request for a Palestinian-American speaker without explanation, sparking widespread criticism and protest. 

“This is unacceptable to us. This is not over,” declared Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, in response to the rejection. 

Alawieh and other delegates had sought to include a speaker to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 40,200 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed mercilessly since October 2023 due to the ongoing conflict. 

The Uncommitted National Movement was formed following the success of the Listen to Michigan campaign, which mobilized over 100,000 voters who opted to vote uncommitted rather than support then-candidate Joe Biden during the Democratic primary. 

This grassroots effort aimed to signal dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's policies, particularly regarding its support for Israel amid ongoing military actions in Gaza. The movement seeks to represent the voices of voters who prioritize anti-war policies and advocate for Palestinian rights, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and an end to U.S. funding of military actions deemed war crimes by many activists. 

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voiced strong opposition to the DNC's decision, stating on X, “Just as we must honor the humanity of hostages, so too must we center the humanity of the 40,000 Palestinians killed under Israeli bombardment.” She criticized the DNC for participating in the dehumanization of Palestinians by denying them a platform at the convention.

The exclusion of pro-Palestinian voices was particularly glaring given that the convention featured pro-Israeli speakers, including Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg. 

The couple, whose son was taken hostage during the conflict, received an extended ovation from delegates. “This is a political convention, but needing our only son and all of the cherished hostages home is not a political issue. It is a humanitarian issue,” Polin stated, underscoring the contrast in how different narratives were treated. 

In response to the DNC’s decision, pro-Palestinian delegates organized a sit-in protest outside the convention venue. They emphasized their frustration, with Alawieh stating, “We were hopeful because Vice-President Harris's team was engaging with us. We just want to be heard.” 

The sit-in aimed to pressure convention organizers and the Biden administration to reconsider their stance and include Palestinian perspectives. They also reported gathering nearly 250 signatures from Harris delegates in support of a ceasefire in Gaza. 

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked by a brutal blockade and severe humanitarian conditions, has led to international condemnation and allegations of genocide against Israel. 

Many delegates feel that the party's platform, which claims to value both Israeli and Palestinian lives equally, is undermined by the lack of representation of Palestinian perspectives. Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman pointed out the irony of anti-Trump Republicans being given a platform while elected officials advocating for Palestinian rights were sidelined. 

As the DNC progresses, the Uncommitted National Movement and its supporters continue to call for a reevaluation of the party's stance, urging the inclusion of Palestinian voices in the ongoing discourse surrounding the conflict.