Joe Biden's Mixed Messages on Gaza: Calls for Ceasefire, but Approves Billions in Weapons Sales to Israel
Joe Biden acknowledged the pain and anger of Arab Americans over the war in Gaza and US support of Israel's military offensive.
Many Arab Americans and activists have called on the Democratic president to push for a permanent ceasefire, halt weapons sales to Israel, and protect civilian lives.
However, hours after Biden's statement, it was reported that his administration had approved additional weapons sales to Israel worth billions of dollars.
The United States is the largest contributor of foreign aid to Israel and has used its veto power multiple times to block UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In March, the US abstained from a UN vote on the issue.
Since 2021, the Biden administration has issued proclamations for Arab American Heritage Month.
This year's proclamation was longer due to Biden's comments on the Gaza conflict.
Protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza have taken place in US cities, including near airports and bridges in New York and Los Angeles, outside the White House, and in Washington.
Demonstrators have disrupted Biden's campaign events and speeches, including a high-profile fundraiser in New York City.
Arab and Muslim Americans are threatening to withhold their support from President Joe Biden in the November elections if he fails to address their concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite their likelihood of voting against Republican former President Donald Trump, observers warn that they could choose to sit out the election instead, denying Biden crucial votes.
Biden has promised to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, free hostages held by Hamas, and establish a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks.
He also addressed the recent increase in hate crimes against Arab Americans, citing several incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian American girl and the shooting of three students of Palestinian descent.
On October 7, 2021, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas carried out an attack against Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths according to Israeli estimates.
In response, Israel launched a military assault on the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip, resulting in over 32,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly all of its 2.3 million population.
The enclave is now on the brink of starvation, and Israel's actions have led to accusations of genocide, which Israel denies.
However, hours after Biden's statement, it was reported that his administration had approved additional weapons sales to Israel worth billions of dollars.
The United States is the largest contributor of foreign aid to Israel and has used its veto power multiple times to block UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In March, the US abstained from a UN vote on the issue.
Since 2021, the Biden administration has issued proclamations for Arab American Heritage Month.
This year's proclamation was longer due to Biden's comments on the Gaza conflict.
Protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza have taken place in US cities, including near airports and bridges in New York and Los Angeles, outside the White House, and in Washington.
Demonstrators have disrupted Biden's campaign events and speeches, including a high-profile fundraiser in New York City.
Arab and Muslim Americans are threatening to withhold their support from President Joe Biden in the November elections if he fails to address their concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Despite their likelihood of voting against Republican former President Donald Trump, observers warn that they could choose to sit out the election instead, denying Biden crucial votes.
Biden has promised to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, free hostages held by Hamas, and establish a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks.
He also addressed the recent increase in hate crimes against Arab Americans, citing several incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a 6-year-old Palestinian American girl and the shooting of three students of Palestinian descent.
On October 7, 2021, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas carried out an attack against Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths according to Israeli estimates.
In response, Israel launched a military assault on the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip, resulting in over 32,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly all of its 2.3 million population.
The enclave is now on the brink of starvation, and Israel's actions have led to accusations of genocide, which Israel denies.
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