It started on Monday Democratic Party Conventionduring which the vice president Kamala Harris is to be officially announced as a candidate for the US presidency. Pro-Palestinian activists decided to use the Americans' attention as part of the “March on the DNC” initiative, who gathered in large numbers in the park in front of the convention arena in Chicago and took part in a kilometer-long march.
More than 200 groups advocating for causes ranging from reproductive rights to racial justice participated in the march, with many people coming from Palestinian and Arab communities in Illinois and neighboring states, organizers said last week.
Democratic Convention in Chicago: Thousands of Protesters Demand Action
The main demand of the protesters is to impose an embargo on arms sales to Israel. The demonstrators emphasize that they support Kamala Harris because she can defeat Donald Trump, but they will not vote for her because of the Joe Biden administration's support for Israel and the failure to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The convention organizers take into account possible disruptions due to protests. The demonstrators themselves emphasize, however, that they do not expect riots. “March on DNC” spokesman Hatem Abudayyeh assured that the group has its own security measures and, despite the presence of numerous police and Secret Service officers around the protected area, expects a peaceful protest.
Another large protest is planned for Thursdaywhen Harris is expected to accept the nomination.
Pro-Palestinian activists have been protesting for months against the Biden administration's military and financial support for Israel in its war with Hamas, which Gaza health officials say killed over 40 thousand Palestinians. Israel launched the offensive following an Oct. 7 Hamas attack in which Israeli figures said 1,200 people were killed.