President Joe Biden has faced challenges from key parts of the coalition that elected him in 2020, particularly from Muslim community leaders who have expressed disapproval over his handling of the Gaza conflict. White House officials have met with Arab Americans but have faced snubs from some invited participants, leading to protests and walkouts at events. Biden’s administration has been adamant about listening to the community and continuing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
At a meeting with Muslim leaders at the White House, a Palestinian American participant walked out in protest after handing Biden a letter from an 8-year-old orphan girl living in Rafah. Several attendees expressed frustration over the lack of actionable outcomes from the meeting, which seemed more like a PR move. Dr. Nahreen Ahmed, an ICU physician at MedGlobal, criticized Biden’s focus on the October 7 attacks and his dismissal of the significant number of deaths in Palestine. Biden discussed the complexity of eradicating Hamas and ongoing talks for a ceasefire.
Despite Biden’s repeated calls for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages, he has not advocated for a permanent ceasefire, which has drawn criticism from progressives. His administration plans to approve an $18 billion sale of fighter jets to Israel, further intensifying the backlash. More than 32,000 people have died in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas, prompting international leaders to call for a permanent ceasefire. While Biden expressed outrage over an Israeli strike on aid workers, his administration reiterated support for Israel’s war against Hamas.
The incident involving the Israeli strike on aid workers sparked fury inside the White House, but there is uncertainty about whether it will impact Biden’s stance on the conflict. The US has expressed support for Israel’s fight against Hamas and will not conduct an independent investigation into the strikes, relying on Israel’s investigation instead. There is no clarity on whether American-supplied munitions were used in the strike. Protests continue to challenge Biden’s approach to the Gaza conflict, with some attendees feeling that the White House meetings are more for show than for meaningful action. The president remains committed to listening to the community and working towards a ceasefire.
