President Joe Biden expressed his commitment to working towards an immediate ceasefire and increasing humanitarian aid in Gaza during a meeting with Muslim leaders at the White House on Tuesday. The White House revealed this information on Wednesday.
The meeting, which was intended to discuss the situation in Gaza, took an unexpected turn when Dr. Thaer Ahmad, the sole Palestinian-American participant, walked out in protest after handing Biden a letter from an 8-year-old orphan girl in Rafah. Dr. Ahmad, who has provided medical assistance to wounded civilians in Gaza, took a stand during the meeting.
When asked about Dr. Ahmad's departure, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refrained from commenting directly, citing the participants' desire to keep the meeting confidential. She emphasized the President's respect for peaceful protests and reiterated the administration's commitment to engaging with the community.
The meeting was initially planned as an iftar fast-breaking dinner in observance of Ramadan. However, attendees felt it would be inappropriate to discuss the crisis in Gaza over dinner while people in Gaza are facing starvation.
Despite the challenges faced during the meeting, President Biden remains dedicated to securing a ceasefire and increasing humanitarian aid in Gaza. The administration will continue to engage in discussions with various stakeholders to address the ongoing crisis in the region.
