Biden apologizes for doubting Hamas death toll claims, expresses disappointment
President Biden Apologizes to Muslim Leaders for Doubting Gaza Death Toll
President Joe Biden privately apologized to Muslim leaders last month after expressing doubt about the number of people the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said had been killed in the war between Israel and Hamas.
“I’m sorry. I’m disappointed in myself,” he reportedly said. “I will do better.”
Dozens of Biden administration staffers have reportedly expressed concern in private over Biden’s stance on Israel’s war with Hamas and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with some aides considering the matter the single biggest struggle of his presidency.
A group of staffers, aides, and allies, many of them Muslims, has reportedly relayed significant worries about the president’s approach to the war and unwavering embrace of Israel to higher-level officials.
“I think the administration has realized from quite early on that it was in a bind,” said Ivo Daalder, chief executive of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Daalder was also a NATO representative during former President Barack Obama’s administration.
He added, “And it was in a bind not only because of Biden’s own predilection, which is real and strong and important,” but also because the administration’s actions in support of or against Israel carry political costs.
Earlier this month, 20 staffers were granted a meeting with White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, senior adviser Anita Dunn, and deputy national security adviser Jon Finer. The group sought to find out how the administration is addressing civilian deaths in Gaza, its message going forward, and what the administration thinks the region should look like following the conflict, according to the Washington Post, which conducted interviews with 27 White House officials, including senior administration officials, as well as outside advisers.
The meeting wasn’t fruitful, though, with Zients, Dunn, and Finer reportedly relying on established talking points.
The opposing groups are largely characterized as younger and more diverse staffers, who are less supportive of Israel, versus more seasoned veteran staffers.
Many young Muslim staffers sought to vent frustrations in private group chats with each other, and several have even been urged by family and friends to leave the Biden administration, according to the report. Many have chosen to stay. But they’ve said they no longer feel the ability to affect change in the White House. “I don’t have any optimism at this point that anything is changing in terms of the policy,” one staffer said.
Keeping in mind changing demographics in the country and within the Democratic base, particularly in swing states, Biden’s administration has faced something of a balancing act. The White House has been working to provide outreach simultaneously to the Jewish community and the Muslim community so as not to alienate voters in either group.
To do this, Dunn has been holding daily meetings with the roughly 30 staffers charged with these efforts.
In recent days, though, aides have argued successfully that messaging on the war be more balanced and not blindly supportive of Israel’s strategy. Biden, in turn, has been more direct regarding Israel’s responsibility to minimize civilian casualties and make sure aid is able to get to Gaza.
Biden has long been a devoted supporter of Israel and came out with a forceful response to the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks. This was applauded by some as a show of strength, while it worried some in the Democratic Party — and within his administration.
The White House did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner
What were the concerns raised by Biden’s own advisers and allies regarding his hesitation to condemn Israel and doubts about the death toll? How did these concerns impact his commitment to human rights and the protection of civilians?
Well as current and former advisers.
The concerns stem from Biden’s initial hesitation to condemn Israel for its actions during the 11-day conflict with Hamas, as well as his public questioning of the Gaza Health Ministry’s death toll. The ministry reported that at least 256 Palestinians, including 66 children, were killed in Gaza, while Israel reported the deaths of 12 Israelis, including two children.
Biden’s doubts about the death toll echoed the sentiment of some members of his own administration, who questioned the accuracy of the numbers provided by the Gaza Health Ministry. However, such doubts were seen as a departure from Biden’s previous stance on human rights and the importance of protecting civilians in conflicts.
According to the Washington Post, several Muslim aides and allies of the administration were deeply troubled by Biden’s initial response. They believed that it undermined his commitment to human rights and Palestinian lives, and they feared that it would damage his relationship with the Muslim community, both domestically and internationally.
After facing criticism and experiencing internal pressure, Biden privately apologized to Muslim leaders for his doubt about the death toll. His apology, reported to have taken place last month, was an effort to mend relationships and reaffirm his commitment to protecting Palestinian lives.
While the apology has been welcomed by some, others argue that it was merely a damage control measure. They argue that the initial doubts expressed by the president and his administration have already had a negative impact, fueling skepticism and criticism of the United States’ approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has long been a contentious issue for U.S. presidents. Balancing support for Israel, a key ally in the region, while also advocating for Palestinian rights and a peaceful solution has proven to be a difficult task. Presidents are constantly under pressure from both sides and face political consequences no matter which direction they lean.
For Biden, the staff concerns and the public scrutiny surrounding his stance on the conflict are indicative of the challenges he faces as a leader. As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate tensions in the region, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will navigate this complex issue.
Ultimately, the president’s private apology to Muslim leaders reflects a recognition of the impact his words and actions have on marginalized communities, both at home and abroad. It also highlights the importance of accountability and the need to address concerns raised by his own advisers and allies. As the situation in the Middle East remains fraught with uncertainty, the Biden administration will need to carefully consider its approach and ensure that it upholds its commitment to human rights and the protection of all civilians.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
