1. United States
2. Letter

The recent protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago have underscored the growing demand for a shift in US policy towards the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Thousands gathered to call for an immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo against Israel, expressing frustration with the continued US military aid and weapons transfers enabling the devastating genocide. While the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has acknowledged the suffering in Gaza, she has not committed to concrete policy changes like an arms embargo. However, the strength of the protests, including from military veterans and Palestinian rights advocates, signals this is an issue that will not dissipate. The protesters made it clear that unless tangible actions are taken, such as implementing an arms embargo on Israel to pressure an end to the violence, they cannot support Harris in the upcoming election. This growing movement transcends political affiliations and highlights the urgency for a comprehensive reassessment of US involvement in perpetuating the crisis in Gaza. Continuing the status quo of supplying arms used against civilians is becoming an untenable position. A firm policy realignment halting weapons transfers is a reasonable demand to prioritize human rights and facilitate a just resolution to this longstanding genocide.