Democrats divided over Israel-Hamas resolutions at summer meeting

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) held its summer meeting in Minnesota to address various internal divisions while aiming for unity against President Donald Trump. The meeting, attended by over 400 elected officials, showcased growing tensions, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The committee discussed competing resolutions: one advocating for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid, supported by DNC Chair Ken Martin, and another proposing an arms embargo against Israel, which was ultimately defeated. This division reflects a broader fracture in what was once a solid Democratic support base for Israel, impacted by rising casualties in the conflict. As the meeting progressed, the DNC's Resolutions Committee passed a resolution affirming support for diversity, equity, and inclusion values amid conservative backlash. However, the second resolution, which aimed for a stronger stance against military aid to Israel, faced opposition, with some members expressing concern over the party's future direction. After discussions, Martin withdrew his resolution to unify the committee. Nonetheless, dissenting voices indicated ongoing dissatisfaction, highlighting a disconnect between committee members and the wider Democratic voter base regarding key issues. The situation in Gaza has escalated dramatically since Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to significant loss of life including nearly 1,200 Israelis killed and over 60,000 Palestinians allegedly dead due to Israeli military response. The DNC's struggle to address these humanitarian crises and its implications for U.S. foreign policy have created a rift. Increased scrutiny on the influence of dark money in politics was also a topic of contention, as Democrats aim to reform campaign financing ahead of the looming 2028 presidential cycle. Overall, the DNC meeting illustrated the party's ongoing challenges in navigating internal disagreements while attempting to project a unified front against Donald Trump’s administration, which Democrats aim to counter as they prepare for future elections. As tensions around the Gaza conflict and domestic issues intensify, the DNC faces a crucial task of bridging divides within its ranks to regain the trust and support of its voters ahead of upcoming electoral battles.