The White House has made changes to its plans for President Joe Biden to host an iftar dinner with Muslim community leaders amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Instead of the traditional dinner, a meeting will be held with the group due to concerns raised by attendees.
According to sources, there was pushback from expected attendees who felt it would be inappropriate to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza over dinner. As a result, the event will now focus on policy discussions rather than a celebratory meal.
Several invitees have declined to attend the meeting, expressing frustration with the administration's stance on the conflict. The scaled-back event will include senior Muslim administration officials, members of Biden's national security team, and a limited number of guests.
This decision marks a departure from previous Ramadan observations during the Biden administration. Last year, the White House did not host an iftar dinner but held a reception for Eid al-Fitr.
Amid the conflict, more than 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel's campaign against Hamas began. President Biden has called for an immediate ceasefire but has not taken further action.
White House officials have engaged with Arab American and Muslim leaders in various cities, including a recent meeting in Chicago. However, some participants declined to attend due to concerns about the crisis in Gaza.
The administration's handling of the conflict has sparked anger and concern among Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim American communities, posing political challenges for Biden, particularly in battleground states like Michigan.
Despite the challenges, the White House remains committed to engaging with the Muslim community during Ramadan and addressing issues of importance to the community.
