Joe Biden has been accused of supporting “the genocide” of Palestinians by a congresswoman from his own party, Rozina Sabur writes from Washington.
Rashida Tlaib is one of a number of left-wing Democrats who have become increasingly vocal in their criticisms of the US president as they demand a cease fire in the conflict. Ms Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, released a video on Friday which said: “Joe Biden supported the genocide of the Palestinian people.
“The American people won’t forget. Biden, support a cease-fire now. Or don’t count on us in 2024.”
The US president finds himself caught in the middle of a festering divide in his party over their stance on Israel, similar to the debate consuming Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
The Democratic divide falls largely along generational lines, with older Democrats, including Mr Biden, staunchly supportive of the Jewish state, while younger, more progressive members have focused on the plight of Palestinians.
However, even Dick Durbin, 78, the second-highest ranking Democrat in the US Senate has backed a ceasefire, adding further pressure on Mr Biden.
Mr Biden has attempted to tread the balance by supporting Israel while also stressing its obligations under international law, calling for a humanitarian “pause”, and expressing concern over Palestinian casualties.
Ms Tlaib’s video opens with Mr Biden saying the US stands with Israel, followed by footage of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, and children bleeding. As her video alludes to, Mr Biden’s stance could hurt his 2024 re-election bid, with a poll finding the president’s support among Arab American voters has plunged amid the conflict.
Mr Biden’s bid will be determined by the outcome of a handful of battleground states, which includes Ms Tlaib’s home state of Michigan, which has a large Muslim, and Arab-American community.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
