Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is under fire from Arab and Muslim Americans following recent comments on Israel’s role in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Speaking at a Michigan rally for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Clinton claimed Israel was “forced” to inflict civilian casualties in Gaza, suggesting it had no choice given the circumstances. He further implied that Israelis occupied the Holy Land before Palestinians, a statement that sparked immediate backlash from groups advocating for Palestinian rights.
Michigan, a swing state with a large Arab and Muslim population, was the setting for Clinton’s comments. Addressing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza, he argued that Israel is compelled to kill civilians due to Hamas tactics. “Hamas makes sure that they’re shielded,” Clinton stated, adding, “They’ll force you to kill civilians if you want to defend yourself.” Clinton later urged restraint from both sides, saying, “People cannot murder their way out of this.”
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UN Report and Civilian Casualties
As the conflict continues, reports indicate heavy Palestinian casualties in Gaza. According to sources, more than 43,000 people—mainly women and children—have died, while Israel faces accusations of war crimes, including forced starvation. Clinton’s remarks, which downplayed Palestinian displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, further sparked anger. “I got news for [Hamas]—[Israelis] were there first, before their faith existed,” he stated, ignoring the 1948 displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s establishment.
Community Leaders Respond to Clinton’s Remarks
Clinton’s statements received swift condemnation from Arab and Muslim leaders in the U.S., who view them as antagonistic. Yousef Munayyer of the Arab Center Washington DC criticized Clinton’s approach on social media, labeling it counterproductive. Robert S. McCaw, government affairs director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, issued a statement calling Clinton’s comments “insulting and Islamophobic.” He criticized the former president’s remarks as justifying Israeli actions that harm civilians in Gaza.
Impact on the Upcoming Election
Clinton’s comments may impact the U.S. presidential race, especially in states like Michigan, where Arab and Muslim votes are crucial. With tensions high in the region and global reactions polarized, Clinton’s remarks risk alienating a demographic that Democrats have been keen to engage ahead of the November election.
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