Blinken's testimony interrupted by protests. "Save the children of Gaza"
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was forced to halt his testimony before the Senate Committee on Appropriations due to protesters demanding a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip. "Save the children of Gaza," one of the protesters was heard exclaiming.
10:21 AM EDT, November 1, 2023
NBC reports that Blinken's interrupted statements were part of a hearing to discuss the additional security funding requested by President Joe Biden's administration.
Initially, the anti-war protesters held up their hands, which were painted red, disrupting Blinken's address on multiple occasions. One man was heard shouting demands for a ceasefire and calls to "save the children of Gaza".
A woman stood up next, holding a banner that read "No more $$$ 4 Israel", expressing her opposition to the United States financially aiding Israel. She was quickly escorted out of the room by security personnel.
Blinken plans to visit Israel
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has scheduled another visit to Israel this Friday. Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, reported on Tuesday that Blinken’s visit to Tel Aviv will primarily concern Israel's conflict with Hamas.
During his visit, Blinken plans to meet with members of the Israeli government and conduct other affairs in various locations within the region, Miller added.
In a recent phone conversation with Israel's President, Isaac Herzog, Blinken confirmed Israel's right to self-defense against terrorism under international humanitarian law, according to a statement from the State Department. He also highlighted the importance of taking precautions to minimize harm to civilians.
