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‘Confused’ Biden applauds ceasefire demand during graduation

President Joe Biden appears to be one of the first people to clap after valedictorian calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

By World Israel News Staff

President Joe Biden applauded when a student speaker at a graduation ceremony called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with that same speech later asserting a moral equivalency between the Israeli army and terror groups.

Morehouse College, a historically black university in Atlanta, invited Biden to give a speech at its commencement ceremony, as well as bestowed an honorary degree upon the president.

But before Biden spoke, valedictorian Deangelo Fletcher addressed the graduating class and used his speech to call for an end to the current fighting in the Gaza Strip.

He urged an “immediate and a permanent ceasefire” in the coastal enclave, stating that “it is only right for the class of 2024 to utilize any platform provided to stand in solidarity with peace and justice.”

Notably, Fletcher did not mention the acts of barbarity committed by Hamas on that day, nor did he refer to the terror group by name.

“The Israel-Gaza conflict has plagued the people of its region for generations,” Fletcher added. “It is important to recognize that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the wake of October 7.”

In a clip published by RNC Research, a “confused”-looking Biden is seen seated just behind the podium where Fletcher is speaking.

Biden appears to be one of the first to begin applauding after Fletcher called for a ceasefire.

According to an NBC report, some staff and students at Morehouse were opposed to giving Biden the degree and having him deliver the commencement address due to their opposition to the Israel-Hamas war.

When some students turned their chairs away from Biden in a silent protest during his speech, he acknowledged the move.

“In a democracy, we debate and dissent about America’s role in the world,” Biden said.

“I want to say this very clearly — I support peaceful, nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard. I promise you, I hear them.”