In a private engagement with Muslim-American leaders, President Biden expressed regret over his previous remarks that cast doubt on the Palestinian casualty figures reported by authorities in Gaza. This conciliatory moment followed a day after his public skepticism on the death toll stirred concerns within the Islamic community.
During an extended meeting that went well beyond its scheduled half-hour, President Biden listened to personal accounts from the attendees, highlighting the human impact of the ongoing conflict. Moved by these narratives, Biden offered an apology, as reported by the Washington Post.
“I’m sorry. I’m disappointed in myself,” Biden admitted during the session, responding to the unease his press conference comments had caused. The previous day, he had publicly questioned the casualty statistics provided by Gaza, citing the influence of Hamas in the region.
The recent violence in the region has been marked by significant loss of life, with the Gaza Ministry of Health reporting over 14,000 Palestinian fatalities, many of whom were non-combatants. Israel also reported substantial civilian casualties following attacks initiated on October 7th.
In the wake of these discussions, President Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Israel while simultaneously advocating for humanitarian efforts and the release of hostages in Gaza. The President has called for a temporary cessation of hostilities, allowing for both humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and the initiation of a prisoner exchange.
Amidst the broader discourse, Biden’s approach has been met with internal pressures from administration staff and external critique from some Democratic figures. The administration’s stance remains dynamic, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan open to future discussions regarding conditions on aid to Israel.
This episode has influenced Arab-American sentiment toward President Biden, with a recent survey reflecting a notable decline in support for the President’s re-election bid.
The White House has not provided additional comments on these developments. The situation continues to evolve as both sides of the conflict navigate through a negotiated pause in fighting and the intricacies of diplomatic engagement.