As Blinken sought to give opening remarks, the demonstrators called for a "cease-fire now" and accused the U.S. of supporting a "massacre" in Gaza, which has been under bombardment from Israel since Hamas launched a surprise attack on the nation in early October.
Victims of the assault were executed, bound and burned alive, and other bodies were found decapitated. Approximately 1,400 Israelis were killed and more than 200 people were kidnapped. Israel responded to the shocking attack with airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that the Hamas-run health ministry says have claimed the lives of 8,525 Palestinians.
"Save the children of Gaza," an unidentified protester shouted. "Cease-fire now. Where is your pride in America."
Another protester yelled as he was led out of the room by security: "Stop the brutal massacre."
The group of more than a dozen demonstrators, who appeared to be part of the activist group CODEPINK, raised their hands in the air, and held up several signs including one that said, “All the walls have got to go.”
Kajal Agarwal
