The meeting, which aimed to address the deepening tensions between the administration and the Muslim and Arab American communities, highlighted the divide over the president's stance on the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

Among the attendees was Dr. Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian American doctor specializing in emergency medicine who has treated gravely injured patients in Gaza. Only five minutes into the meeting, overwhelmed with emotion, Dr. Ahmad chose to leave, wanting to demonstrate the pain and mourning experienced by his community. He emphasized the importance of letting the administration understand their sentiments.

Dr. Nahreen H. Ahmed, another doctor present at the meeting, expressed her disappointment with President Biden's dismissive nature towards strong action for a permanent ceasefire. She shared photos of malnourished children and women in Gaza, to which Biden responded that he had seen similar images before. The doctor highlighted the significance of printing the photos from her own iPhone and saw it as indicative of the administration's indifference.

The meeting, which lasted 90 minutes and took place behind closed doors, saw attendees recounting their harrowing experiences in Gaza, stressing the danger they faced while trying to help others. They showed President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris photos of injured patients, including children. Biden, while pledging to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, stated that he would not call for a permanent ceasefire until all remaining hostages are released.

Despite reservations and declining invitations, a small group of Muslim American community leaders attended the meeting and engaged in discussions with the president and vice president. Salima Suswell, founder and CEO of the Black Muslim Leadership Council, acknowledged the importance of engagement and expressed her concerns about the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the deep pain felt by Black Muslim Americans.

Vice President Harris sought to soften criticism of Biden's stance on the war, assuring the attendees that he was sincere in his concerns and that he was doing everything possible to end the conflict. She stated that if Israel obstructed the delivery of aid to Gaza, the U.S. would push back and advocate for more resources to be brought into the region. However, the specifics of how aid would be safely delivered were not mentioned.

The meeting concluded with a small group of Muslim staffers participating in a scaled-back iftar dinner with Biden, Harris, and other senior administration officials. The White House had previously hosted larger receptions during Ramadan, but many Arab American and Muslim American leaders rejected recent invitations due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The Biden administration acknowledges the deep pain experienced by the Muslim and Arab communities during this conflict. Efforts to engage with these communities and listen to their voices will continue, as senior White House officials and Biden campaign aides have made attempts over recent months to meet with key members.

Dr. Ahmad, who left the meeting early, expressed his concerns for his safety as he plans to return to Gaza. He questioned the possibility of being killed by a bomb supplied by the U.S., emphasizing his legitimate fears.

The tensions between the administration and the Muslim and Arab American communities persist, with the meeting highlighting the dissatisfaction and disapproval over Biden's support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.