Anti-war protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza interrupted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a Senate hearing on Tuesday. Numerous demonstrators repeatedly shouted 'Ceasefire now!' as Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin testified about a $106bn national security funding request, which includes $14.3bn for Israel's military campaign against Hamas.
The hearing was suspended several times as police escorted protesters from the room. Capitol Police confirmed that 12 people were arrested for illegally protesting inside the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Some of those involved were affiliated with the anti-war group CODEPINK, which has also called for an end to US weapons supplies to Ukraine.
Many protesters wore pink and held signs reading 'No to the siege of Gaza'. CODEPINK said some members had painted their hands red to symbolise blood. Addressing the disruption, Blinken acknowledged 'the passions expressed in this room' and said all are committed to protecting civilian life, but added that the US must stand with its allies.
Meanwhile, newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed legislation to send $14.3bn in emergency funding to Israel, separate from the White House's broader security package. The bill would cut the same amount from the Internal Revenue Service budget. The White House condemned the move as 'politicising our national security interests'.
The US has provided Israel with $158bn since World War Two, largely in military aid. The conflict since Hamas's 7 October attack has killed 1,400 Israelis and over 8,500 Palestinians, according to respective authorities.
