US President Joe Biden met Muslim community leaders earlier this week, where he informed them about First Lady Jill Biden’s thoughts on Israel’s ongoing aggression against Gazans.
Dr Nahreen Ahmed, who was present during the meeting, told CNN that Biden quoted his wife as saying: “It’s got to stop.”
However, another participant who wished to remain anonymous, recalled Biden quoting Jill as saying: “Stop it. Stop it now.”
But Ahmed noted that the remarks were unclear as it isn’t known for sure whether the first lady wanted the war in Gaza to end completely or whether she just wanted a reduction in civilian deaths.
A White House official, responding to the first lady’s remarks, told CNN there’s “no daylight” between the president and his wife. The person noted that both of them have shared their anger with the deaths of innocent people in Gaza. But the official added that Jill did not call for an end to Israel’s aggression.
Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for the first lady, said Jill is “heartbroken” over the deaths of civilians, including aid workers. She also said that the first lady backs her husband’s belief that Israel should make sure that civilians are protected.
“Just like the President, the First Lady is heartbroken over the attacks on aid workers and the on-going loss of innocent lives in Gaza. They both want Israel to do more to protect civilians.”
