Biden Faces Internal Protest Over His Support for Israel During Key Meeting

Washington, Apr 4 AP - In a notable incident this week, US President Joe Biden encountered a protest against his stance on the Gaza conflict not on the streets, but within the walls of the White House. During a private meeting aimed at discussing the concerns of Muslim Americans regarding the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Palestinian American doctor Thaer Ahmad from Chicago made a bold statement by walking out. Ahmad, who has volunteered in Gaza, presented President Biden with a letter from an orphaned 8-year-old girl from Rafah, a city marked as a next target by Israel, along with her photo before his departure.

Ahmad's protest underscores the growing discontent among Muslim Americans over Biden's support for Israel's military operations in Gaza, including the continuation of US weapons sales. The conflict, which escalated on Oct 7 following a surprise attack by Hamas killing 1,200 Israelis, has since resulted in approximately 33,000 Palestinian casualties. Despite expressing concerns over civilian losses, Biden has not halted military aid to Israel. Ahmad noted a rhetorical shift but lamented the lack of significant action.

The meeting, which replaced the traditional celebratory dinner marking the end of Ramadan, came at a time when several Muslim community leaders declined invitations to dine with the president amidst the famine in Gaza. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged the community's deep pain and defended Biden's respect for peaceful protest following Ahmad's walkout. The meeting was initially perceived by Ahmad as an opportunity for direct dialogue with someone who had experienced the situation in Gaza first-hand. However, revelations about US weapons sales to Israel led him to question the meeting's purpose and ultimately decide on his peaceful protest.

Ahmad is planning another trip to Gaza by the end of the month, continuing his efforts on the ground amidst ongoing tensions. This incident at the White House highlights the complex dynamics of domestic and international politics surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and signals a critical moment of reflection for US policy and its impact on global perceptions.