Topline
President Joe Biden acknowledged pro-Palestinian protestors in his speech at the Democratic National Convention Monday saying they “have a point,” as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Chicago to call for an end to U.S. military support for Israel and a cease-fire in Gaza.
President Biden speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center … [+]
Key Facts
While outlining his administration’s work to deliver a cease-fire, Biden added, “Those protesters out in the street, they have a point, a lot of innocent people are being killed, both sides.”
The president’s speech touted his administration’s work to prevent a wider war, secure a cease-fire and “end the civilian suffering of the Palestinian people.”
According to the Associated Press, Biden’s comment was met with boos from some protestors outside the convention, with one of them calling it “phony” and dismissing the “both sides” argument.
Early during Biden’s speech, some protesting delegates unfurled a banner that said “Stop Arming Israel,” inside the convention venue, Politico reported.
The protestors and their were quickly removed, while others in the audience attempted to block them out with their “We love Joe” signs and chants.
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Crucial Quote
“We’re working around the clock, my secretary of state, to prevent a wider war and reunite hostages with their families and surge humanitarian health and food assistance into Gaza now. To end the civilian suffering of the Palestinian people and finally, finally, finally deliver a ceasefire and end this war,” Biden said.
News Peg
Earlier in the evening, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was the first to mention the Gaza war on stage and said Harris was “working tirelessly to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and bringing the hostages home.” To assuage concerns raised by pro-Palestinian Democratic delegates, the Harris campaign on Monday sponsored a panel discussion inside the convention to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the New York Times, the panel was led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and included Layla Elabed, a leader of the uncommitted movement that refused to back Biden in primaries; Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatrician who worked with aid groups in Gaza; along with several others. Speakers on the panel delivered personal stories about the suffering in Gaza, with one speaker, Democratic Organizer Hala Hijazi, talking about losing over 100 members of her family in the war. Longtime DNC member and founder of the Arab American Institute, James Zogby, told AP that “having an officially sanctioned panel” on the Gaza issue is “historic.” Zogby, however, cautioned that there was still some dissatisfaction about the Democratic leadership’s handling of the war and “The prize is a change in policy,”
Further Reading
‘America, I Gave My Best To You’: Emotional Biden Closes DNC’s First Night (Forbes)
