Pro-Palestinian Protests at US Colleges Put Pressure on Biden

The recent surge of pro-Palestinian protests on US college campuses has put President Joe Biden in a difficult position, caught between demands for peace from the left and concerns about civil order from the right. The protests, which have led to clashes with law enforcement and arrests of over 2,000 protesters, have garnered international attention and even received messages of gratitude from refugees in the Gaza Strip.

As the Israeli Defense Forces prepare for a potential military operation in Rafah, the last stronghold of Hamas forces, the US is working to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been engaged in negotiations, with the hope of reaching a deal that would alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

The pressure on President Biden is mounting, with Republicans criticizing his handling of the protests and accusing him of turning a blind eye to antisemitism. Despite the political risks, Biden has maintained his support for Israel, resisting calls to change his stance.

The upcoming college graduation season and the Democratic Party convention in August could see a new wave of protests, further complicating Biden’s position. A ceasefire may provide temporary relief, but a lasting peace agreement is needed to remove the Gaza War as a political threat to the president.