WASHINGTON — In a poignant moment during a meeting with President Joe Biden, a Palestinian American doctor, who has provided medical care to critically injured patients in Gaza, left the discussion after just five minutes.
Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency medicine specialist, became emotional while discussing the significant loss of life over the past six months since the conflict began.
In an interview with he explained that his decision to leave was personal, intending to convey to the White House the profound pain and grief experienced by his community.
Dr. Ahmad was one of six Muslim American community leaders who attended a small meeting at the White House with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and senior administration officials. Many others who were invited declined to attend, reflecting growing tensions between the administration and Muslim and Arab American communities over the president’s support for Israel's actions in Gaza.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’ attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, has resulted in more than 30,000 deaths, according to health officials, with over 100 hostages still held by the group.
During the meeting, another attending doctor shared photos of malnourished children and women in Gaza with President Biden, who indicated he had seen such images before.
However, the doctor had printed the photos from her personal iPhone, highlighting what she described as the administration's dismissive attitude towards the situation in Gaza.
Dr. Nahreen H.
Ahmed, another attending physician, criticized the administration's lack of decisive action towards achieving a permanent cease-fire or setting a clear red line on the invasion of Rafah. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing skepticism about Israel's ability to conduct its military campaign without endangering innocent civilians.
President Biden, in the meeting, reportedly stated that he would not call for a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas until all remaining hostages are released.
He pledged to continue efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza significantly.
Despite the tensions, Salima Suswell, founder and CEO of the Black Muslim Leadership Council, who also attended the meeting, stated that both President Biden and Vice President Harris listened closely to attendees and understood their perspectives.
Harris reiterated Biden’s stance, stating that he is "sincere" in his concerns and is working tirelessly to end the conflict.
The meeting concluded with Muslim American community leaders departing, and a small group of Muslim staffers participating in a scaled-back iftar dinner with Biden, Harris, and other senior administration officials.
The White House, in a statement, acknowledged the pain felt by many in the Muslim and Arab communities and emphasized the administration's commitment to engage with and listen to those affected by the conflict.
Dr. Ahmad, reflecting on the meeting, expressed concerns about returning to Gaza, fearing for his safety amid the ongoing conflict.
He lamented the possibility of being killed by a bomb supplied by the U.S. to Israel, expressing disappointment in his government's involvement in the conflict.