Secretary Blinken Addresses Protestors Against Israel-Hamas War After Derailed Testimony

Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the protesters against the Israel-Hamas war who derailed his appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were interrupted multiple times on Tuesday by demonstrators who demanded a ceasefire in Israel while blasting the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war against Hamas. Blinken was eventually able to speak, so he made the case for President Joe Biden’s requested $105 billion supplemental for aid to Ukraine and Israel.

As Blinken concluded his opener, he addressed those demanding an end to the brutalities in Gaza as Israel continues its retaliation against Hamas’ October 7 attack againt them:

I also hear, very much, the passions expressed in this room, and outside this room. All of us are committed to the protection of civilian life. All of us know the suffering that is taking place as we speak. All of us are determined to see it end. But all of us know the imperative is standing up with our allies and parters when their security, when their democracies are threatened. That’s what’s happening now. We stand resolutely with them, even as we stand resolutely for the protection of innocent civilians.

Watch above via MSNBC.