World conflicts increase political pressure on country's President Beden

President Biden campaigned with the promise to end “permanent wars”. But now ahead of next year's elections, he faces a conflict in Gaza, Russian aggression over Ukraine and increasing tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan. His attitudes in the face of these challenges may affect his chances of a second term at the White House.

The Hamas-led health ministry in Gaza says the number of Palestinian victims from Israeli air strikes has reached more than 7,000.

I have no idea if Palestinians are telling the truth about the number of those killed. I'm sure innocent people have been killed, and that's the price of war”, President Biden said.

This statement angered the Arab Americans, Muslims and others who are dissatisfied with the president's stance on war in Gaza.

This is absolutely shocking and inhuman. Would the president feel better if only 1,000 Palestinian children died?”, says Robert McCaw of the Council for American-Islamic Relations.

Nine members of Congress, mostly from the liberal wing of Mr. Biden's Democratic Party, voted against a resolution supporting Israel and condemning Hamas because he did not express regret over the loss of Palestinian lives.

Various polls show that more Americans support Israelis than Palestinians, though young people are more divided.

“Mes American Jews, a very important group in terms of votes and financial contributions to the Democratic Party, assessment of President Biden and his stance has been almost unanimously positive”, says University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato.

Republicans in Congress are increasingly sceptical of Mr. Biden's commitment to funding wars abroad, including newly elected House of Representatives Chairman Mike Johnson, who supports Israel, but opposes further funds unconditionally for Ukraine.

The first “package that will soon be submitted for voting in this hall will be in favour of our friendly country, Israel. And we're late”, he said.

Voter support for President Beden's policy on the issue has increased by 9 percent since the days following Hamas' attack on Israel.

How much war in Gaza will affect Mr. Biden's campaign for a second mandate in 2024 will depend on whether the conflict expands. In neighbouring Lebanon, cross-border attacks have intensified between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

If we get directly involved in these eternal wars, yes, Biden will suffer the consequences. But as long as he keeps American troops off the line of fire, I don't think he's going to raise that much debate. And I don't believe it will be the determining factor for voters”, says prof. Sabbath.

Another key factor according to him: Limiting deaths among Palestinians and providing humanitarian aid to them. / VOA/