On Tuesday, protestors repeatedly interrupted Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his testimony to a Senate Committee.
Right when Blinken was about to deliver his opening remarks, protestors called for a “cease-fire now” and accused the U.S. of supporting a “massacre” in Gaza, which currently faces bombardment from Israel following Hamas’ attack on the Jewish state on Oct. 7.
The attack from the terrorist group killed approximately 1,400 Israelis, and over 200 people were kidnapped. Meanwhile, the Hamas-run health ministry claimed that retaliatory Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed 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 he was escorted out of the room by security.
As USA Today reported, Blinkin told the committee that the U.S. had prompted Israel to act in accordance with international humanitarian law and to consider all possible measures to avoid civilian casualties.
So far, President Joe Biden called on Congress for over $61.4 billion for Ukraine, roughly half of which be sent toward replacing equipment the United States has previously sent the nation to defend itself against Russia and $14.3 billion for Israel.
Biden also requested money for security on the United States border, the administration’s efforts to fight against China, and humanitarian assistance, including for the people of the Gaza Strip.
When senators asked whether the delivery of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip was being diverted by Hamas, 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 US will raise that amount to 100 by the end of the week. Blinkin also shared that aid organizations previously sent 500-800 trucks a day in
“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 – overwhelming majority of the assistance thus far is getting to people who need it. And we need more.”
Over the course of the Biden administration, the U.S. has provided $1.6 billion in assistance to the Palestinians and is encouraging partners and allies to do likewise.
Following Blinkin’s remarks, Committee chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., suspended the hearing momentarily before Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin delivered his opening remarks, so Capitol Police could empty out the hearing room.
Despite calls for a cease-fire from protestors, the U.S. stressed that it has opposed it amid the Israeli-Hamas war. At present, the nation 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.
Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/Drew Angerer / Staff
Video Courtesy: Associated Press via YouTube
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.
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