Two journalists interrupted his remarks, accusing him of complicity in violence against Palestinian civilians
Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced angry protests as he spoke during a press briefing about the role of the Biden administration in facilitating a Gaza ceasefire. Two reporters interrupted his remarks, accusing him of complicity in violence against Palestinian civilians. One protester shouted, “Why aren’t you in the Hague?” referencing the international war crimes court.
Blinken stopped his comments, asking to respect the process, and told reporters he would answer their questions shortly. Both protesters were taken out of the room by diplomatic security.
The Biden administration has faced mounting criticism for its response to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Critics accuse the US of failing to impose restrictions on arms supplies to Israel and not doing enough to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Blinken acknowledged these challenges, stating, “We’ve had real differences with Israel in how it has defended its people, and we’ve expressed those differences clearly—mostly in private.”
Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 people, Israel’s counter-offensive has been devastating Gaza. Local health officials say the campaign has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, including women and children, and displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.
Blinken, who had visited the Middle East 12 times to facilitate negotiations, described the newly announced ceasefire as “A moment of historic possibility for the region,” but he cautioned about the challenges ahead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited unresolved issues with Hamas as the reason for Israel’s delay in giving its approval.
Blinken said lasting peace would demand “tremendous effort, political courage, and compromise” to maintain the progress made at such a great cost. Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have taken credit for the ceasefire, with Trump’s Middle East envoy joining the negotiations at a crucial stage.
The agreement holds the promise of decreased hostilities but also shows that the settlement of deep-rooted conflicts is a complex matter. Blinken pointed out the importance of securing gains from the ceasefire, as he addressed the suffering and instability in Gaza and encouraged regional cooperation.
This development is a critical juncture in US foreign policy and its approach to the Middle East, as the world watches how diplomacy and humanitarian efforts unfold in the aftermath of a devastating conflict.
The security lapse involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Punjab three years…
So far, over 30 statements have been collected in connection with the incident.
Freeland, former finance minister and journalist, declares her candidacy for Liberal leadership, promising a strong…
Taking a strict step to root out corruption from the revenue department, the Haryana government…
Concerned about the declining sex ratio in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has taken…