Numerous anti-war demonstrators, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, repeatedly disrupted a hearing in the US Senate that focused on the administration's substantial budget request to support Israel and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflicts in these two nations.
On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee convened, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin as witnesses, providing their testimonies. The proceedings were interrupted at least six times by anti-war protesters who decried the violence and criticized the US for its involvement in what they referred to as a "massacre," according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
Only a few minutes into Blinken's opening statements, a member of the audience shouted, "ceasefire now," "save the children of Gaza," and "Where is your pride, America?" He was then escorted out of the room by Capitol Police.
Shortly after, Blinken's speech was once again disrupted as several protesters voiced their demands.
"Ceasefire now!" they chanted. "Let Gaza live!"
In addition to the verbal expressions of their anger, some protesters in the audience raised their hands with red stains, symbolizing their belief that the Biden administration had blood on its hands due to its consistent support for Israel.
During one of the disruptions, a female protester was heard saying, "The US is supporting a brutal massacre."
"No senator is calling for a ceasefire! Shame on you all! Ceasefire now. Stop funding this brutal massacre," she continued, even when police escorted her out of the room.
Each time a protester was removed, Blinken resumed his testimony, only to be interrupted again by subsequent protests.
He stated that the proposed funding of $106 billion would be directed to support Israel and Ukraine in their respective conflicts with Hamas and Russia, address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, bolster the US's position against strategic rivals, and enhance the security of Americans at home.
Towards the end of his opening statement, Blinken departed from his prepared script to directly address the protesters.
"I also acknowledge the strong sentiments expressed both in this room and outside it," the Secretary stated. He emphasized that while the Biden administration is determined to end the suffering in Gaza, it's also crucial for the US to firmly support its allies and partners.
Following Blinken's speech, Austin, speaking from the Pentagon's perspective, explained that the urgent supplemental budget request to Congress was aimed at funding America's national security requirements, standing by its partners, and investing in the defense industry.
During a question-and-answer session with the senators, Blinken argued that the current moment was not conducive to enforcing a ceasefire, as doing so might empower Hamas to potentially carry out further attacks on innocent Israeli civilians, akin to those on October 7.
In this hearing, Blinken and Austin lobbied for lawmakers to support President Biden's national security package, which included $61.4 billion for Ukraine's defense, $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance, $2 billion for Indo-Pacific security, and $10.9 billion for southern border security and migrant issues.
(With Agency Inputs)
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