U.S. President Joe Biden is facing immense pressure amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The United States has a long-standing and deep relationship with Israel, its closest ally in the region. Following the shock attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, Biden made it clear whose side he is on.
"We stand with Israel," the President said in his first statement following the attacks, describing it as the "deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust."
Issuing an ultimatum
Israel's counterattacks on the Gaza Strip have so far resulted in at least 8,000 Palestinian deaths, many of whom are women and children.
Muslim Americans within Biden's own Democratic Party are now demanding immediate action to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.
Failure to do so, they warn, will lead to a massive mobilization of millions of Muslim voters who will withhold donations and votes from Biden's campaign next year.
Election implications
The demand comes from the National Muslim Democratic Council, represented by Democratic leaders in key states like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania—states likely to be decisive in the 2024 election.
An open letter titled "2023 Ultimatum for Ceasefire" has been sent to the President.
"Your administration's unconditional support, including financial backing and armament, has played a significant role in perpetuating violence causing civilian casualties and has eroded the trust of voters who once had faith in you," the council emphasized.
Growing anger
When Biden won the 2020 election, he had the support of 70% of U.S. Muslims, according to Jayjlaini Hussein, chair of the Sacramento Valley Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). However, the letter is seen as the latest sign of growing anger and frustration among Arabs and Muslims in American society.
The frustration stems from Biden's failure to condemn Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip following an October 7 attack by Hamas militants, which Israeli officials say killed 1,400 people and took 239 hostages, as reported by Reuters.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week rejected plans for a ceasefire and received backing from John Kirby, the U.S. spokesperson for national security.
"Hamas would be the only ones to benefit from it," Kirby said, according to Reuters.
