This comprehensive plan aims to protect Muslims and individuals perceived to be Muslim from discrimination, hate, bigotry, and violence. Led by the Domestic Policy Council and the National Security Council, the strategy will involve collaboration with local communities to ensure the freedom and safety of all Americans.

Speaking on behalf of the White House, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized President Biden's commitment to restoring unity and denouncing hate in America. "There is no place for hate in America against anyone. Period," stated Jean-Pierre in a released statement. Recognizing the long-standing prevalence of hate-fueled incidents against Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim, the administration aims to address these injustices and protect the rights of individuals based on race, national origin, ancestry, or any other reason.

The announcement of the National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia comes at a time when fears of Islamophobia in the United States have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. With a rise in civilian deaths in Gaza, concerns have intensified, and some Muslim American groups have criticized President Biden's approach to the situation. In response, Biden traveled to Minnesota, a state with a significant Muslim population, where he pledged to continue pressing Israel to adhere to international laws protecting civilians and to increase aid to Gaza.

The president's reputation among Muslim Americans has faced challenges in recent weeks, as polls indicate a decline in support due to concerns over his handling of the Middle East crisis. Muslim American leaders, who held a private meeting with Biden, urged him to demonstrate greater empathy towards Palestinian lives after his remarks casting doubt on civilian death figures in Gaza. Keith Ellison, Minnesota's Attorney General and a key Muslim American ally of Biden, echoed this call for the president to advocate for the protection of civilians to prevent future devastating strikes.

While Biden expressed understanding for the emotions surrounding the situation, he has yet to endorse a ceasefire. In response to a protester's appeal for a humanitarian pause to facilitate the release of hostages in Gaza, the president voiced support for the idea but stopped short of explicitly endorsing a ceasefire. The complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on both Israel and the Muslim world contribute to the challenges in finding a resolution.

However, the administration faces criticism as some groups, which were active in door-to-door voting campaigns for Biden in 2020, raise concerns that his approach to the conflict could become a political liability in his bid for re-election. Muslim leaders at the local level have recently announced efforts to withhold support for Biden's 2024 re-election campaign due to his failure to endorse a ceasefire. It is important to note that these leaders are acting in their personal capacity in withholding support.

The development of a National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia reflects the administration's commitment to combatting discrimination, hate, and bigotry in the United States. By partnering with local communities and addressing the concerns of Muslim Americans, the White House aims to ensure the freedom and safety of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnic background.