On Monday, US President Joe Biden pledged to bring an end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip and secure the safe return of the hostages.
“I will continue working to bring the hostages home, stop the war in Gaza, and establish peace and security in the Middle East,” Biden stated during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
“We are working tirelessly to prevent the conflict from spreading, reunite hostages with their families, and provide urgent humanitarian aid, including health and food assistance, to Gaza. We aim to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians and ultimately achieve a cease-fire to end this war,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, as the convention began, thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in Chicago to call for an end to US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 40,100 Palestinians have been killed.
As delegates arrived at the convention center, protesters marched through downtown Chicago, chanting slogans like “Free, free Palestine” just hours before Biden’s scheduled address.
“Those protesters out in the streets have a point. Many innocent lives are being lost on both sides,” Biden acknowledged.
He also mentioned drafting a peace plan for Gaza, stating, “I proposed a plan that brings us closer to peace than any efforts since October 7.”
