In a bid to hold President Joe Biden accountable for his failure to call for a cease-fire in Gaza, a coalition of Muslim leaders in the United States has announced the expansion of their pressure campaign aimed at dissuading voters from reelecting Biden in 2024. The #AbandonBiden campaign, which was officially launched earlier this month in swing states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Arizona, has gained significant traction within the Muslim-American community. The coalition plans to build momentum nationwide and eventually endorse a third-party candidate.

Led by prominent Muslim leaders, the #AbandonBiden campaign reflects growing discontent among Muslim-Americans with Biden's support for Israel's counterattacks against Hamas. The coalition argues that these counterattacks have resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian lives. To amplify their message, Muslim leaders have decided to take their pressure campaign to all 50 states, stating that they aim to "save America from itself."

Jaylani Hussein, the lead organizer of the #AbandonBiden campaign, stated in a press release, "We will risk an unknown four years of Trump." Despite the awareness of the risks posed by a potential Trump victory, the coalition remains resolute in its conviction to hold Biden accountable for his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hussein also clarified that while they are not endorsing Donald Trump, they have no intention of supporting the Democratic frontrunner either.

The Muslim coalition's decision to endorse a third-party candidate underscores the deep dissatisfaction with both major political parties among voters in general. A Gallup poll conducted in October revealed that a majority of voters believe there is a need for an independent party candidate. However, it remains to be seen if this third-party momentum will translate into tangible electoral impact.

Biden's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict has had significant repercussions on his approval ratings, particularly among key voter demographics that played a vital role in his 2020 victory. Young voters contributed to sinking Biden's approval to an all-time low in a November NBC poll, largely due to his foreign policy actions regarding the war. Similarly, Muslim-Americans in battleground states, who made a difference in the last election, have expressed their preference for either a third-party candidate or abstaining from voting altogether.

The Biden administration has consistently stated that it expects Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law and take necessary measures to minimize civilian casualties. However, the White House has not officially conditioned U.S. aid to Israel on these humanitarian standards. The recent move by Biden to bypass Congress and provide $147.5 million in emergency military support to Israel has raised further criticisms from those who question Biden's commitment to upholding human rights in the region.

While the impact of the Muslim coalition's pressure campaign remains to be seen, it serves as a prominent indicator of public sentiment and emerging trends as the 2024 election approaches. As the Biden administration faces mounting criticism over its handling of the Gaza conflict, political analysts will closely monitor how the campaign responds and potentially repositions itself in the months to come.

Overall, the #AbandonBiden campaign has thrust the issue of the Gaza cease-fire into the national spotlight, highlighting the concerns of Muslim-Americans and their desire for a different approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.