President Joe Biden reportedly apologized to a group of Muslim Americans in a private meeting after he cast doubt on the Gaza death toll figures released by Hamas-controlled health authorities.
“I’m sorry. I’m disappointed in myself,” he allegedly told a group of approximately 20 activists and officials who asked to meet with him. “I will do better,” he added, according to the Washington Post.
Previously, the 81-year-old Democrat had expressed skepticism, stating: “I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people are killed.”
Included in the discussion with Biden were Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Chicago community organizer Rami Nashashibi, Imam Mohamed Magid, Muslim lobbyist Wa’el Alzayat, and healthcare advocate Suzanne Barakat.
Biden is said to have ended the hour-long discussion, originally scheduled for 30 minutes, by hugging one of the participants.