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Pro-Palestinian Protestors Interrupt Blinken Testimony

Protestors frequently disrupted Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s testimony to a Senate Committee on Tuesday.

When Blinken was about to deliver his opening remarks, protestors vehemently called for a “cease-fire now.” They accused the U.S. of supporting a “massacre” in Gaza, which presently faces bombardment from Israel following Hamas’ attack on the Jewish state on Oct. 7.

The attack by the terrorist group killed about 1,400 Israelis, and they kidnapped over 200 people. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have caused the deaths of 8,525 Palestinians. 

“Save the children of Gaza,” one unidentified protester shouted. “Cease fire now. Where is your pride in America?”

“From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have got to go,” another protestor yelled before security escorted him out of the room.

USA Today reported that Blinken urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the safety of civilians.

President Joe Biden has passionately urged Congress to approve over $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine, with approximately half of the funds allocated for replacing equipment. The United States has, in previous times, sent aid to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and is asking Congress for approval of $14.3 billion for Israel.

Biden asked for funding for border security, efforts against China, and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

When senators asked whether Hamas was diverting the delivery of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, Blinken said that the situation is currently being monitored closely.

The secretary of state added that over 50 relief trucks have entered the Gaza Strip, while the U.S. will raise that amount to 100 by the end of the week. Blinken also shared that aid organizations previously sent 500–800 trucks a day.

“Can I promise you and this committee that there will be 100% delivery to the designated recipients? No. There will inevitably be some spillage,” Blinken said. “The overwhelming majority of the assistance thus far is getting to people who need it. And we need more.”

The U.S. has given $1.6 billion in aid to the Palestinians during the Biden administration and is urging others to do the same.

Following Blinken’s remarks, Committee chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., swiftly suspended the hearing before Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin delivered his opening remarks so Capitol Police could empty the hearing room.

Despite calling for a cease-fire from protestors, the U.S. stressed that it had opposed it amid the Israeli-Hamas war. At present, the nation has shared that 10 Americans have been taken captive by Hamas out of the 240 people taken hostage. Following the terror group’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7, Blinken stressed U.S. support for Israel’s military defense.

“No nation could tolerate that,” he contended.

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