Cracks open in Democratic support for Israel as old guard is challenged

The bloody bombing of Gaza has put Joe Biden at odds with progressive leaders in a generational and political divide

With a giant Stars and Stripes and two gleaming cars at his back, Joe Biden turned to focus his remarks on one member of the audience. From my heart, I pray that your grandmom and family are well," he told Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress. I promise you, I'm going to do everything to see that they are, on the West Bank. You're a fighter."

It was a characteristic peace offering by the US president, even as protesters rallied outside the Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Tlaib herself challenged Biden over his unyielding support for Israel. But Tuesday's gesture, and even a Middle East ceasefire declared on Thursday, may not be enough to heal a growing rift in the Democratic party.