Muslim leaders in swing states vow not to back Biden in 2024 over handling of Israel-Hamas war

President Biden’s campaign for re-election in 2024 is facing growing pressure from Muslim Americans who have vowed not to back him over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

On Saturday, Muslim leaders from several swing states – including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, and Pennsylvania – descended on Dearborn, Michigan to coordinate a national response.

Organizers have dubbed their campaign #AbandonBiden, and vow to make sure President Biden does not get a second term in office.

Muslim and Arab leaders have been pushing the Democratic president to call for a cease-fire as the death toll from the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza continues to mount. As of Saturday, the death toll in the war was 15,200 Palestinians according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Some 1,200 Israelis have been killed, most during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas that triggered the war.

The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas ended Friday after the IDF accused Hamas of firing at Israel. Hamas, meanwhile, has claimed that Israel rejected an offer to release more hostages.

Minneapolis-based Jaylani Hussein, who helped organize the conference, said Biden's unwillingness to call for a cease-fire has damaged his relationship with the American Muslim community beyond repair.

"Families and children are being wiped out with our tax dollars," Hussein said. "What we are witnessing today is the tragedy upon tragedy."

"The anger in our community is beyond belief. One of the things that made us even more angry is the fact that most of us actually voted for President Biden," Hussein, who is Muslim, told The Associated Press. "I even had one incident where a religious leader asked me, 'How do I get my 2020 ballot so I can destroy it?"... (Read more)

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