The White House has been heavily criticized for hosting a barbecue complete with a live band on the South Lawn while the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified.
The controversial event occurred as Israel faced its deadliest day of the conflict, with more than 63 civilians killed on the Gaza side and seven in Israel. The event was attended by administration officials, Republican Party members and prominent donors.
The White House has defended the event, saying that it had been planned in advance and was part of “celebrations to mark the US president’s 100th day in office”. However, the timing of the event has been called into question, as it appears to be insensitive to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Moreover, the event was widely condemned on social media. Twitter user @Jack_Hawk said the event was “disrespectful to everyone involved in an ongoing conflict”, while @luauhall called it “morally suspect to be having a barbecue and live band with so much pain and suffering occurring so close by”.
The event has reignited a long-standing debate on how the US should address conflict in the Middle East. Some feel that the US should take a more hands-off approach and let the peace-seeking process between both sides run its course. Others believe that the US should be more actively involved, using diplomatic tools to push for a more equitable resolution.
No matter what stance the US takes, the White House’s attempt at a celebratory BBQ has sent the wrong message: That it is more concerned with its own political agenda in the region than what is actually happening around Israel and Gaza right now. The situation that has arisen as a result of this event has certainly done little to contribute to the search for peace and stability in the region.