U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's final press conference took an unexpected turn Thursday when journalists launched sharp criticism over his handling of the 15-month-long Gaza conflict. The chaos unfolded shortly after Blinken announced a tentative ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, scheduled to begin Sunday.
The briefing, held at the State Department, was interrupted by reporters accusing Blinken of facilitating "genocide" through U.S. support for Israel. Security personnel forcibly removed independent journalist Sam Husseini and Grayzone News editor Max Blumenthal from the room.
"Criminal! You belong in The Hague!" shouted Husseini as three guards carried him out. "Why aren't you in The Hague?" he repeated, referring to the International Criminal Court. Husseini later claimed on social media that excessive force was used during his removal.
Blumenthal, before being escorted out, criticized Blinken for continuing U.S. weapons supplies to Israel, asking, "Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May?"
Blinken remained calm during the disruptions, urging reporters to respect the process. "I will take your questions once I finish," he said, but the heated confrontations overshadowed much of the conference.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian officials, aims to halt hostilities and facilitate the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Under the deal, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners while Hamas will free 33 hostages, including seven Americans, during the initial phase. The ceasefire is expected to last six weeks, during which humanitarian aid will flow into Gaza, and Israel will withdraw its forces.
While some view the agreement as a significant diplomatic achievement, others criticize its timing and execution. Husseini and Blumenthal's protests reflected a broader dissatisfaction with U.S. policy, particularly its continued military support for Israel during the conflict.
The war, which began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials, and the displacement of nearly Gaza's entire 2.3 million population. Israel reported 1,200 deaths, including 46 Americans, from the initial Hamas assault.
The Biden administration has faced consistent pressure from activists and international observers over its support for Israel. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated earlier this year, "We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is a genocide," while urging Israel to do more to protect civilians.
Blinken, who leaves office Monday ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, defended his actions. The Israeli government carried out policies that "were supported by an overwhelming majority of Israelis after the trauma of October 7," he said, adding that such considerations were factored into the U.S. response.
The secretary also emphasized Israel's efforts to investigate alleged violations of international law. "They have a process, they have procedures, they have rule of law," Blinken said. "That's the hallmark of any democracy."
