Chicago Protests Demand Shift in U.S. Policy on Israel-Hamas Conflict

Anti-Israel protesters have taken to the streets of Chicago throughout the Democratic National Convention, urging the Democratic Party to reconsider its stance on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Prominent voices, including Congressman Ro Khanna, have called for a significant policy shift, drawing parallels to historical political breaks, such as that of former Vice President Hubert Humphrey from President Lyndon Johnson during the Vietnam War. Khanna emphasized the need for Vice President Kamala Harris to articulate a new direction in U.S. foreign policy regarding the conflict. Khanna suggested that Harris should advocate for a more balanced approach, indicating that the U.S. should not provide a "blank check" to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He urged the Vice President to apply pressure on both Hamas and Israel, aiming for tangible results that could lead to an end to the violence and a renewed focus on a two-state solution. He expressed concern that the current policy has not yielded positive outcomes, highlighting the suffering of civilians in Gaza and the plight of hostage families in Israel. While Harris has generally aligned with President Joe Biden's views on the conflict, she previously called for a ceasefire, indicating some willingness to diverge from the administration's stance. As she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination for president, Harris faces the challenge of addressing the growing discontent among pro-Palestinian activists, who have disrupted her campaign events. Her upcoming address at the DNC will be closely watched for any shifts in her position.