Shifting Arab American Allegiances Over Ceasefire in Gaza Sparks Criticism of Biden Administration

Department of Research, Studies and International News  17-01-2025

As Donald Trump reclaims the presidency, his involvement in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza has ignited frustration among Arab Americans, many of whom are critical of outgoing President Joe Biden for failing to broker the agreement earlier. The ceasefire, set to begin Sunday, marks a pivotal moment after a 15-month-long conflict in which over 46,700 Palestinians have been killed.

Samraa Luqman, a staunch Trump voter, expressed her reasons for supporting the former president during the last election. Despite her reservations about his broader policies, she believed he offered a slim chance of taking decisive action to halt the violence in Gaza, something she felt Democratic leadership had neglected. While Trump has taken credit for persuading Israel to accept the deal, Luqman remains deeply disheartened by the delay, blaming Biden for the countless lives lost due to his administration’s inaction.

Amer Ghalib, the Yemeni American mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, emerged as a vocal supporter of Trump. He emphasized that brokering a Gaza ceasefire was a priority for Arab and Muslim advocates backing the former president. According to Ghalib, Trump demonstrated a willingness to listen and act on their demands for peace, combatting Islamophobia, and ensuring Muslim representation in his administration.

Reports from Israeli media suggest Trump played a critical role in pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to the ceasefire. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, was dispatched to meet mediators in Qatar and negotiate with Israeli officials, ultimately securing Netanyahu’s approval. When the agreement was announced, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani publicly acknowledged Witkoff’s efforts.

Critics argue that the ceasefire deal announced this week mirrors a proposal first tabled in May, under Biden’s administration. Former US diplomat Hala Rharrit, who resigned over dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of Gaza, described the delay as a failure of political will rather than diplomatic complexity. Rharrit posited that the change in leadership provided the necessary impetus for the agreement to materialize.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, skepticism lingers about its longevity. Israel has previously violated similar agreements, and recent attacks in Gaza have left dozens dead, including 21 children, even after the deal was publicized.

Advocates like Suehaila Amen, an Arab American community leader, urge caution in celebrating the ceasefire prematurely. While Trump’s involvement in the deal underscores Biden’s perceived negligence, Amen insists that Arab Americans must remain vigilant in advocating for their rights and challenging US policies that fund and enable violence in Gaza.

Walid Fidama, a Yemeni American voter and former Democrat, commended Trump for his tangible efforts toward peace but acknowledged doubts about his administration’s long-term commitment to ending the war. Trump’s controversial first-term policies—such as relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem—remain fresh in the minds of many.

For Luqman, her decision to support Trump was driven by a desire to prioritize the immediate cessation of violence in Gaza. While she harbors no illusions about the Republican Party’s unwavering support for Israel, she maintains that preventing further loss of life is paramount.

As Arab Americans grapple with the implications of the ceasefire and shifting political allegiances, the broader question remains: can either party rise to meet their demands for justice, representation, and peace?