Democratic infighting over Gaza reaches DNC, prompting chairman to pull resolution after backlash

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin on Tuesday withdrew a resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict after receiving pushback when a rival resolution failed to pass, which prompted an outcry from younger members.

Democrats have been heavily divided on Israel since war broke out in 2023 between Israel and Hamas, following Hamas' terrorist attack inside Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 and taking another 251 people hostage. Younger party members have called for stronger opposition to Israel's response to the conflict, which many Democrats blame for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

Martin, whose resolution called for a ceasefire and the free flow of aid to Gaza and was passed by a DNC panel, said he would withdraw the resolution to push for unity in the party after the other resolution failed. The failed resolution called for an arms embargo and suspension of military aid to Israel.

“Earlier today, I introduced a resolution … which was focused on finding common ground in our party on a very heartbreaking humanitarian issue, and it’s aligned with our party platform," Martin told the DNC’s Resolutions Committee, The Hill reported. "This crisis in Gaza is urgent and my resolution is focused on that humanitarian crisis and makes it clear that it must be addressed as the emergency that it is. 

“I know that there are some who are interested in making changes today," he continued. "But as we’ve seen, there’s divide in our party on this issue. This is a moment that calls for shared dialogue, that calls for shared advocacy, and that’s why I’ve decided today, at this moment, listening to the testimony and listening to people in our party, to withdraw my amendment and resolution to allow us to move forward in a conversation on this as a party.”

Allison Minnerly, a 26-year-old Democratic National Committee member from Florida who introduced the other resolution, said she has seen a wave of support from voters for the harsher stance since her resolution became public. 

"The majority of our party is looking for answers and leadership on this issue, and they're going to continue sending emails like the almost 200,000 that were sent just this week," Minnerly told reporters, per NBC News. "I will not be surprised if the activism and organizing continues."

Minnerly added that she hopes that Martin listens to her voice on the issue in the future and that she is part of the conversation surrounding the Democratic response to the war in Gaza.

The issue comes as the party struggles to unify after the 2024 election resulted in a major blow to its power. Former Vice President Kamala Harris lost her bid for the presidency, and Republicans won control of both chambers of Congress. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.