In a significant turn of events, the White House's plans to host an Iftar event to mark the holy month of Ramadan were abruptly cancelled by the Biden administration. The decision came after mounting opposition from members of the Muslim community over President Biden's support for Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.

Scheduled for Tuesday, the Iftar event, a traditional dinner to break the fast during Ramadan, was called off as Muslim Americans voiced their dissent against the administration's stance on the Israeli offensive in Gaza. According to sources familiar with the matter, many invitees to the event expressed their refusal to attend, prompting the cancellation.

Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), affirmed that a significant portion of the Muslim community had long conveyed their disapproval of participating in any event at the White House that tacitly supported Israel's actions in Gaza. This sentiment was echoed by several guests who initially agreed to attend the Iftar.

The White House, reacting to the growing outcry, swiftly altered its plans. Instead of hosting the Iftar, they announced intentions to hold a meal for Muslim government employees and arrange a separate meeting with leaders of the Muslim American community. Earlier reports had indicated that the White House was gearing up to organize a scaled-down version of the Iftar event.

Tensions surrounding the cancellation stem from President Biden's unwavering support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Palestine. Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory, Israel's retaliation against Gaza has persisted. Throughout this period, the Biden administration has maintained staunch support for Israel, drawing criticism both domestically and internationally.

The cancellation of the White House Iftar event underscores the deepening divide within the American Muslim community over the Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Critics warn that the President's unequivocal backing of Israel may pose political risks ahead of the upcoming presidential election scheduled for November.

 

 

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