(DailyVantage.com) – The White House released a statement condemning comments made by Nihad Awad, the national executive director for CAIR. In the controversial statement by Awad, the director claimed that the citizens of Gaza are entitled to use self-defense against Israeli forces. Awad also expressed support for Hamas, claiming the surprise attack by Hamas forces on Israeli civilians made him happy.
Following Awad’s statements, the White House responded in a press release, condemning the controversial comments. According to the White House, the Biden administration condemns Awad’s remarks. The statement from the White House also condemns Hamas and calls the militant group a terrorist organization. Awad responded to the controversy after the White House condemned his statement, claiming his comments were taken out of context.
According to Awad, he doesn’t support Hamas, and his comments are being taken out of context. Awad also claims he did not support Hamas’ surprise attack against Israeli civilians. Despite Awad’s clarification about his controversial statements, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates claimed that Awad’s comments are antisemitic. Bates also claimed that many families are suffering due to Hamas’ actions, and Awad’s controversial statement is harmful.
Awad’s comments come as antisemitic incidents and incidents involving “Islamophobia” are on the rise. The White House warned the public about a potential increase in hate crimes, specifically targeting these groups, following the Israel-Hamas war. Despite President Biden’s attempts at responding to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, a recent poll indicates that only a third of United States voters approve of how Biden is handling the conflict.
According to a poll from the Pew Research Center, 51 percent of Republican voters disapprove of the White House’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. The same poll indicates that 33 percent of Democrats disapprove of Biden’s response to the conflict. The poll results indicate more trouble for Biden’s chances at re-election due to growing criticisms from Republican lawmakers and other members of the Democratic Party.
The Israel-Hamas war is also costing Biden support with younger voters, a majority of whom identify with Palestinians and express disdain for Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza region. Despite the criticisms from progressives Biden receives for supporting Israel, the president remains adamant that the United States is an ally of Israel and will not interfere in the conflict.
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