(TheRedWire.com) – High-ranking officials from the White House convened with leaders from the Arab and Muslim American communities in Michigan , addressing concerns related to the president’s approach to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud highlighted the importance of the meeting stating it was crucial for those in power to directly understand the community’s demands, especially regarding the situation in Gaza. He emphasized the community’s unwavering stance on several key issues including the call for a lasting ceasefire, cessation of unrestricted military aid to Israel, and the acceleration of humanitarian support and funding through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also spoke about the gathering, noting it as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s continuous engagement with Muslim and Arab Americans. She stressed the importance of hearing their concerns directly and ensuring their voices are heard within the White House.
The meeting which was first reported by CNN saw the participation of several high-level officials, including Samantha Powers from the United States Agency for International Development, Tom Perez from the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Jon Finer, the principal deputy national security adviser, and representatives from the Office of Public Engagement and the National Security Council.
President Biden, in a statement from the White House, described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as excessive and emphasized his efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza. He expressed concern for the innocent civilians affected by the conflict stressing the urgent need for relief and an end to the suffering.
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