Democratic Party Unites Under Banner of Silence on Gaza Genocide
Introduction:
The first night of the Democratic National Convention was marked by impeccable performances and enthusiastic responses from the convention floor and liberal corners of social media. However, amidst the unity and celebration, there was a glaring omission – the U.S.-backed genocidal war being carried out by Israel against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This article delves into the silence surrounding this pressing moral issue and highlights the potential consequences for the Biden-Harris campaign.
The Democratic Party’s Unity and Blindness:
The speeches on the convention floor were filled with unity and support for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. President Joe Biden gave his blessing to his would-be successor, while Hillary Clinton spoke of shattering the “glass ceiling.” However, the complete absence of any mention of the ongoing war in Israel was tone-deaf and dismissive of the most pressing moral issue of our time.
The Silence on the Genocidal War:
Despite tens of thousands of anti-war protesters gathering in solidarity with Palestinians, the convention floor remained silent on the issue. This silence could have severe consequences for the Harris campaign, potentially costing them over half a million votes in key swing states like Michigan. The refusal to address the arms flow to Israel raises questions about the administration’s commitment to ending the fighting.
Empty Gestures and Complicity:
While there were a few fleeting mentions of the war, they were dismissive and misleading, devaluing Palestinian lives in comparison to Israelis. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed that Harris was working tirelessly for a ceasefire, but the administration’s approval of a $20 billion weapons sale to Israel without any conditions contradicts this statement. The cheers for a ceasefire gesture obfuscate the administration’s complicity in the war.
The Gaza Solidarity Movement:
The protests and demonstrations over the Gaza war are not merely about innocent people being killed on “both sides.” They are part of an international struggle against the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by the U.S.-backed Israeli military. The DNC granted the Uncommitted campaign space to hold a separate panel on Gaza and Palestinian human rights, where doctors shared intolerable accounts of the devastation in Gaza’s hospitals.
The Human Cost:
Doctors who treated patients in Gaza shared heartbreaking stories of maimed children, bombings, starvation, and dehydration. The first confirmed cases of childhood polio in Gaza were reported, adding to the alarming situation. Hala Hijazi, who lost over 100 family members in the current onslaught, emphasized the inability to help pregnant women in Gaza while fighting for reproductive rights at home. This challenges the notion that those pushing for an arms embargo are neglecting other issues.
The Democratic Party’s Response:
The Democratic Party’s 92-page platform makes no mention of conditioning weapons provisions to Israel or an arms embargo. The sidelined convention panel and specious lip service from politicians on the main stage are not enough to satisfy organizers, protesters, and concerned individuals. The focus of the Harris campaign remains on abortion, Trump’s threat to democracy, and protecting workers, while the genocidal war in Gaza continues with U.S. support.
Conclusion:
The Democratic National Convention cannot remain a myopic, unpunctured bubble while a genocidal war is waged with U.S. arms, dollars, and diplomatic support. The silence on the Gaza genocide raises questions about the party’s commitment to human rights and justice. As the protests continue, the Harris campaign must listen and address the concerns of those demanding an end to the arms flow to Israel.
