Biden promises to combat Islamophobia as Israel-Hamas war rages

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (AP/Susan Walsh)
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (AP/Susan Walsh)

The administration of US President Joe Biden says it will develop a strategy to combat Islamophobia — an announcement that comes as tensions simmer nationwide over the war between Israel and Hamas.

“President Biden ran for office to restore the soul of our nation. He is unequivocal: there is no place for hate in America against anyone. Period,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre says in a statement.

“For too long, Muslims in America, and those perceived to be Muslim, such as Arabs and Sikhs, have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks and other discriminatory incidents.”

The strategy will be developed in concert with the communities concerned, the White House says.

Jean-Pierre singles out what she calls the recent “barbaric” killing of a six-year-old Palestinian American boy outside Chicago, which police have linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The US government has already launched a plan to counter antisemitism across the country.

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