DNC chair withdraws Gaza resolution, calls for task force to ‘move forward united’
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin withdrew a resolution Tuesday addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict after a rival resolution failed, stressing the need for party unity as he called for a task force to continue the conversation.
“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. 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,” Martin told the DNC’s Resolutions Committee.
“I know that there are some who are interested in making changes today. 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 ppl in our party, to withdraw my amendment and resolution to allow us to move forward in a conversation on this as a party.”
Martin announced plans to appoint a committee or task force comprised of “stakeholders on all sides of this” to discuss the matter and bring solutions back to the party.
The chair’s announcement came after the Resolutions panel voted Tuesday to approve his resolution, which calls for a ceasefire and a two-state solution, according to a packet obtained by The Hill.
But a second proposal, which asked the party to support a ceasefire, an arms embargo and suspension of military aid to Israel amid the war, was voted down.
“We urge that, beyond calling for a ceasefire, that we acknowledge the devastation and we also outline actionable items for our elected officials,” said DNC member Allison Minnerly of Florida, who submitted the rejected proposal.
The second proposal had sparked debate within the committee as some members suggested Martin’s resolution was sufficient, and others said it didn’t go far enough.
The dueling resolutions highlight the tensions within the Democratic Party over the conflict between Israel and Gaza, which played a role in the 2024 election and could emerge again as a key issue for next year’s high-stakes midterms.
Martin’s remarks acknowledged that divide as he withdrew his resolution, saying “we can disagree in this party and still be unified.”
The DNC meeting kicked off in Minneapolis Monday, the first since Martin became chair, as the party grapples with internal turmoil, from infighting to fundraising frustration ahead of next year’s midterm races.
But top Democratic leaders at the meeting made earnest calls for unity.
“No one should confuse unity with unanimity. We are all, in this big tent party of ours — we are all unified for one single goal to stop Donald Trump and put this country back on track,” Martin said in his opening remarks.