Democratic National Convention Delegates Demand Palestinian Speaker Delegates at the Democratic National Convention pushed for a Palestinian speaker to address the convention from the main stage, as relatives of a hostage held in Gaza spoke on Wednesday evening. The group Uncommitted called for balance and the inclusion of Palestinian voices at the convention, expressing concern that the absence of Palestinians sends a troubling message to antiwar voters. This demand arose after the parents of a hostage held in Gaza were scheduled to speak at the convention. The parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, made an emotional appearance at the convention, highlighting the plight of their son and other hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. They received a standing ovation and called for a cease-fire, emphasizing the human toll of the conflict. Keith Ellison, attorney general of Minnesota, also advocated for a cease-fire in Gaza and the return of the hostages. Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000, and efforts to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have faced challenges. Uncommitted's campaign to bring attention to the war in Gaza at the convention has been met with support from attendees, but some feel that the official program has overlooked the issue. Critics argue that Democratic leadership is out of touch with the party's base on this issue, but there is hope that Vice President Kamala Harris will signal a shift in policy when she speaks at the convention. Rania Batrice, a Democratic strategist of Palestinian descent, noted a more humanizing language from Harris regarding the Palestinians' plight, but emphasized that this alone won't stop the conflict in Gaza. As the convention comes to a close, the issue of the war in Gaza continues to be a point of contention and advocacy.