Protesters Call for Arms Embargo on Israel at Democratic Convention

At a recent panel organized by the Uncommitted National Movement, activist Elabed urged Vice President Kamala Harris to endorse an arms embargo on Israel, emphasizing the need to unite the Democratic Party around this cause. "If we stand up and demand action—an arms embargo, a ceasefire, an end to war—we may have an opportunity to restore the soul of the Democratic Party," Elabed stated. The event escalated as attendees began chanting and pushing against a Secret Service security fence, leading to a standoff with police. The panel featured notable figures, including anti-Israel activists Hala Hijazi and Jim Zogby, alongside former Michigan Democratic representative Andy Levin. Levin highlighted the importance of winning over "uncommitted" voters in Michigan, particularly students affected by the ongoing conflict. He asserted that Harris's support for an arms embargo is crucial for her political success in the state. Students for Justice in Palestine representatives announced plans for further protests on college campuses, vowing to confront university administrations profiting from the situation in Gaza. They called for the U.S. to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and cease military support for Israel, labeling it a "racist, settler-colonial terrorist state." The event also showcased a strong socialist presence, with symbols like the hammer and sickle flag and a booth for the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, which declared solidarity with the Palestinian resistance. The gathering underscored a growing demand for policy changes within the Democratic Party regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.