CAIR Declares President Biden a ‘War Criminal’ Over Gaza Aid Deadline Violation
In a strongly worded statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has declared President Joe Biden a "war criminal" for continuing to supply arms to Israel despite the Israeli government’s failure to meet a U.S.-mandated deadline for allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza. The announcement, which has sparked widespread discussion within the Muslim American community and beyond, comes as tensions over U.S. involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict continue to escalate.
The 30-Day Deadline and Its Fallout
The controversy stems from an October 13 letter sent by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to their Israeli counterparts. In the letter, the Biden administration set a 30-day deadline for Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including allowing at least 350 aid trucks into the region daily. The letter also urged Israel to refrain from adopting a controversial law that would ban all activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Israel and the occupied territories.
However, according to CAIR, Israel failed to meet these demands, and yet the U.S. has continued its military support. "We strongly condemn President Biden’s decision to continue illegally supplying the Israeli government with deadly weapons even after [Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu violated the 30-day deadline that the administration set for Israel to stop starving Gaza," CAIR said in its statement, as reported by Anadolu Agency 3.
The organization went further, accusing Biden of complicity in war crimes. "Knowingly funding war crimes in violation of U.S. and international law makes you a war criminal," CAIR stated 3. This declaration marks one of the most forceful criticisms of Biden from a significant U.S. civil rights group since his election.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza has been dire since the start of Israel's war with Hamas on October 7, 2023. According to reports from humanitarian organizations such as Anera and Oxfam, not only did Israel fail to meet U.S.-mandated criteria for improving humanitarian conditions, but it also took actions that worsened the situation on the ground—particularly in northern Gaza. These actions include intensified military operations that have led to significant civilian casualties and further restricted access to essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid 3.
CAIR’s statement reflects growing frustration within the Muslim American community over what many see as Biden’s failure to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. "We are witnessing a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented proportions," said Robert McCaw, CAIR’s National Government Affairs Director, in an interview with NBC News 4. "The president had an opportunity to use America’s leverage over Israel to alleviate this crisis, but instead, he chose to continue funding their military operations."
Military Aid and U.S.-Israel Relations
Since Israel's war with Hamas began, the Biden administration has provided substantial military aid to Israel. According to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations, more than $12.5 billion in military assistance has been allocated since October 2023 alone 2. This includes expedited deliveries of weapons from a strategic stockpile maintained by the U.S. in Israel since the 1980s.
While Biden has been vocal about Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas attacks, he has also expressed concerns about civilian casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. In December 2024, Biden warned that Israel’s "indiscriminate bombing" risked alienating international support for its military campaign 2. However, critics argue that his administration has done little beyond rhetoric despite these warnings.
"Words without action mean nothing," said Osama Abu Irshaid, Executive Director of Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action), during an interview with Voice of America 4. "Biden can say he’s concerned about civilian deaths all he wants, but as long as he continues sending weapons that are used against innocent people in Gaza, his words are hollow."
The Broader Muslim American Response
The declaration by CAIR is part of a broader wave of discontent among Muslim Americans regarding Biden’s handling of the conflict. Many feel betrayed by his administration’s continued support for Israel despite mounting civilian casualties in Gaza.
"Muslim Americans voted overwhelmingly for Biden in 2020 because we believed he would be different," said Ayah Ziyadeh, Advocacy Director for AJP Action 4. "But after watching six months of genocide against our people in Gaza, I don’t know if anything can change my views."
Ziyadeh is not alone in her frustration. According to NBC News, several prominent Muslim American activists have openly criticized Biden’s policies toward Gaza and have encouraged voters to reconsider their support for him ahead of future elections 4.
"If our votes and the votes of people who support Palestinian human rights are so important," said McCaw from CAIR 4, "then Biden should be listening."
What Comes Next?
Despite growing criticism from organizations like CAIR and AJP Action, it remains unclear whether Biden will alter his approach toward Israel or face any significant political consequences within his party. Some Democratic lawmakers have already voiced concerns about conditioning future aid packages on commitments from Israel to limit civilian casualties 2, but whether these calls will gain traction remains uncertain.
For now, CAIR’s declaration serves as a stark reminder that Biden’s relationship with Muslim Americans—once considered one of his strongest constituencies—may be at risk if his administration continues its current policies toward Gaza.
As Abu Irshaid put it: "The rift between President Biden and Muslim American voters is unlikely to be repaired unless he can undo what has been done in Gaza"