Palestinian advocacy groups pressure Harris as election looms: ‘I know the dangers of a Trump presidency’

Activists are tentative in supporting Democrats without an arms embargo and ceasefire in Gaza

In the days leading up to last month's Democratic national convention (DNC), some pro-Palestinian groups and individuals expressed cautious excitement about Kamala Harris's ascendence to the candidacy. Representative Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said that there was a sense that there's an opening" with the vice-president, referring to a possible shift in US policy on Israel's war on Gaza, while others voiced more measured optimism.

However, following the convention, during which party officials refused to allow a Palestinian to speak on the main stage, and where Harris hawkishly affirmed her support for arming Israel, many of those groups' initial hope has turned into a belief that Harris will remain in-line with Joe Biden's Israel policies. The result has been a splintering of sorts: some organizations are still attempting to push Harris toward a more anti-war stance; others have decided to support Harris through the election regardless, citing the risk of a Donald Trump presidency.