President Biden was planning to host a private meeting with a group of Muslim Americans to acknowledge the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, but the gathering had to be scaled back due to backlash against his support for Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip. The president has faced protests and criticism from activists for his stance on the conflict, and some polls show that he may face electoral abandonment by Muslim and Arab-American voters in the upcoming election. The guest list for the meeting with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and national security adviser Jake Sullivan has shrunk considerably, with only a few expected to attend.
The White House has not been forthcoming about the details of the meeting, and it is unclear if there will be a scaled-down Iftar dinner following the meeting. Last year, Biden hosted a large Ramadan celebration with about 350 guests, but this year’s event has been drastically reduced in size. The president has faced criticism for his support of Israel early on in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza and has made efforts to show support for the country, despite growing concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages being taken, including at least six US citizens. Biden has adopted a more critical stance towards Israel in public remarks due to backlash from younger voters and Democratic voting blocs. The US proposed a cease-fire deal that was rejected by Hamas, leading to continued conflict in the region. The president has also faced backlash for not condemning Hamas in a recent UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
Despite the criticisms and protests, the Biden administration has quietly approved billions of dollars in arms transfers to Israel in recent months. The latest shipments include bombs and fighter jets, with more expected to be approved in the near future. The administration’s support for Israel during the conflict has been a point of contention, with some accusing Biden of prioritizing military aid over humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in reduced control by Hamas, but the group still holds territory along the border with Egypt. Most residents of Gaza are believed to have fled to safer locations. The situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing efforts to broker a cease-fire and address the humanitarian crisis. President Biden’s response to the conflict has faced criticism and scrutiny, with calls for a more balanced approach that addresses both security concerns and humanitarian needs in the region.
