In a significant development, several Muslim and Arab American groups are applying pressure on President Joe Biden regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to Reuters.

They have threatened to withhold donations and votes in support of the Joe Biden 2024 reelection campaign unless immediate steps are taken to secure a ceasefire in the region.

The National Muslim Democratic Council, a coalition that includes influential Democratic Party leaders from key battleground states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, has urged President Biden to use his influence to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza by 5 PM ET on Tuesday.

In an open letter titled "2023 Ceasefire Ultimatum," the Muslim leaders have made a commitment to mobilize "Muslim, Arab, and allied voters" to refrain from endorsing, supporting, or voting for any candidate who supports the Israeli offensive against the Palestinian people.

The letter also criticizes the Biden administration's unconditional support, including funding and armaments, for Israel, claiming that such support has contributed to the ongoing violence and eroded the trust of voters who had previously supported President Biden.

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Muslim-American Leaders Speak Out

The National Muslim Democratic Council is co-chaired by former US Representative Keith Ellison, who is currently Minnesota's attorney general and the first Muslim elected to Congress, along with Representative Andre Carson of Indiana.

This move reflects the growing frustration and anger within Arab and Muslim American communities regarding President Biden's stance on Israel's actions in Gaza, per Arab News.

Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American lawmaker from Michigan, has publicly criticized Biden's support for what she refers to as "Israel's genocidal campaign in Palestine" and indicated that this stance could impact their support in the 2024 elections.

Basim Elkarra, the executive director of the Sacramento Valley Council on American-Islamic Relations, has emphasized the significance of Muslim votes in states like Michigan, which President Biden won by a narrow margin in 2020.

In response to this ultimatum, Muslim Americans in Minnesota, where President Biden is planning to visit, have issued a similar demand for a ceasefire and announced plans for a protest during his visit.

As of now, President Biden's reelection campaign has not issued an immediate response to this ultimatum.

However, the administration has engaged with Muslim leaders and some members of the Arab and Muslim communities who are concerned about the handling of the crisis.

Blinken's Senate Appearance Disrupted by Pro-Ceasefire Protesters

During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, protesters advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza disrupted the proceedings, interrupting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, BBC News reported.

The demonstrators, standing in the crowd, repeatedly shouted, "Ceasefire now!" as Secretary Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testified about the White House's $106 billion national security funding request.

This funding request includes $14.3 billion designated to support Israel's military efforts against Hamas.

Protesters, one by one, rose and shouted over Secretary Blinken as he began his testimony, leading to multiple suspensions of the hearing as the Secretary of State paused to address the interruptions.

Capitol Police escorted the demonstrators from the room, and it was reported that 12 people were arrested for illegal protesting inside the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Some of the protesters were affiliated with the anti-war group CODEPINK, which not only called for a ceasefire but also urged the US to halt weapon shipments to Ukraine.

Many protesters wore pink and held signs reading "No to the siege of Gaza" while demanding a cessation of funds to Israel.

CODEPINK confirmed that some of its members were among those arrested, and some had painted their hands red as a symbol of bloodshed.

Secretary Blinken acknowledged the protesters and the passionate expressions in the room at the end of his statement.

He emphasized the commitment to protecting civilian lives and acknowledged the ongoing suffering, emphasizing the determination to see an end to it. He also stressed the importance of standing with US allies.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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