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During a planned iftar dinner for Ramadan at the White House on April 2, US President Joe Biden faced notable withdrawals from several Muslim and Arab leaders’ invitees due to ongoing concerns over the situation in Gaza.
Dr. Thaer Ahmad, a recent returnee from Gaza and one of the attendees, informed Biden that he could not participate in the event while people in Gaza continue to suffer casualties.
“I said it was disappointing I’m the only Palestinian here, and out of respect for my community, I’m going to leave,” Ahmad shared with CNN.
He further handed President Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris a message from a displaced Palestinian child Hadeel, 8, in Rafah, who lost her parents to the violence.
“I beg you, President Biden, stop them from entering Rafah,” a translation of the letter shared with CNN says. In response, US officials have cautioned Israel against escalating military actions in Rafah without ensuring the protection of civilian lives.
The event’s atmosphere was further strained as many invitees expressed discomfort celebrating amidst the ongoing conflict affecting Palestinians.
Ahmad, who traveled to Gaza as part of a MedGlobal doctors’ delegation, recounted his experiences working in Khan Younis amidst intense fighting near Nasser Hospital. He voiced concerns about an anticipated Israeli offensive in Rafah.
This collective withdrawal, indicative of growing frustration, disrupted Biden’s hope for a “small and calm” iftar, as several prominent figures from Arab and Muslim communities in the US declined his invitation in protest.
Instead of the initially planned iftar dinner, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that Biden would engage in a meeting with Muslim community leaders to address pressing concerns and issues relevant to the community, departing from his previous public Ramadan receptions in 2022 and 2023.
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