Secretary of State Antony Blinken was heckled and heckled about half a dozen times by pro-Palestinian protesters at the top of his testimony Tuesday before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Blinken appeared with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss the need for additional aid packages for both Israel and Ukraine.
“Thank you for this opportunity to testify before you today,” the top diplomat began his opening remarks.
Immediately, a white-haired man sitting in the audience began shouting about Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, describing it as “collective punishment” and denouncing the “dense population bombing.”
Blinken paused and faced forward, ignoring the commotion behind him as the authorities told the protesters to be quiet.
Antony Blinken paused and waited for the authorities to clear the protesters. AFP via Getty Images Capitol Police had to escort some protesters out of the room.REUTERS
“Stop supporting genocide,” the man continued.
“Cease fire now. Save the children of Gaza. Save the children of Gaza. Cease fire now. Where is your pride, America?” he added as he was removed.
“I realize that people are feeling passionate, but I ask that we have order in this hearing room and respect for our speaker,” Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) warned the audience.
A woman demands that no more money be sent to Israel.REUTERS Protesters are removed from the room. AFP via Getty Images
Blinken then delivered his opening remarks, discussing how the Biden administration is “standing up for our values, not backing down” from challenges on the world stage.
After about a minute, a woman in pink interrupted holding up a sign.
“The world is calling for a truce,” he shouted before being dragged out. “Shame on you all. The world is calling for a ceasefire. The American people do not want to support this brutal war.”
Demonstrators raise their blood-red hands to denounce the treatment of Palestinians and retaliatory attacks in the Gaza Strip.REUTERS Dozens of protesters attended the hearing.AFP via Getty Images
As Blinken continued his opening remarks, the rest of the audience raised their hands, colored red to represent blood.
“No more war,” shouted a protester behind him. “It’s a horrible thing to do.”
From there, Blinken was interrupted at least three more times, with protesters shouting slogans such as “Palestine is not evil” and demanding a ceasefire.
Perhaps the loudest and most jarring disturbance, occurred when the group began chanting: “From Palestine to Mexico, all walls must be removed.”
“Wait a minute, there’s blood on your hands! Killer!”
— Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s testimony to the Senate Committee on Appropriations pic.twitter.com/cYqnLZ6odn
— The Recount (@therecount) October 31, 2023
“Wait a minute, there’s blood on your hands! Killer!” shouted a woman among the group before they were dragged out of the hearing room.
“No more genocide,” the woman then shouted.
Blinken, a descendant of Jewish immigrants from eastern Europe, has championed Israel’s efforts to fight Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
Privately, the Biden administration has repeatedly warned Israel to be wary of ground incursions, citing the risk of civilian casualties in Gaza.
Antony Blinken is accompanied by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the hearing.AFP via Getty Images
The Biden administration’s support for Israel has angered many on the progressive left sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
The White House unveiled an additional $106 billion package earlier this month, seeking $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel, and $14 billion for immigration enforcement.
The proposal has been met with protests in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has asked that aid to the two states be considered separately.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
