Anti-war demonstrators in Gaza repeatedly disrupted Tuesday’s Senate hearing attended by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Brown.
Protesters twice disrupted Senate Armed Services Committee hearings at the Capitol, demanding the U.S. “stop funding Israel” and Israel’s large-scale war with Hamas. He called for support for “genocide” in Gaza.
The group entered the hearing room while Austin was giving opening remarks on the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2025 budget request, forcing the committee to pause while police removed them from the room.
“Stop killing my people,” one demonstrator said. “Stop funding Israel.”
Several demonstrators began chanting “Stop the massacre in Gaza,” and at least one said the U.S. should work on issues like health care and climate change instead of sending money to Israel.
Sen. Jack Reed (DR.I.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, reprimanded the protesters who interrupted the hearing.
“It’s not appropriate for comments or demonstrations by the audience watching here,” he said. “We have had public hearings and will continue to do so.”
Israel launched a war in Gaza after Hamas fighters invaded southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking another 240 hostages, with 100 still remaining. He is believed to be alive and being held by Palestinian armed groups.
Later in the hearing, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) asked Austin whether he agreed with protesters that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Austin replied, “There is no evidence of genocide.” “I want to remind everyone that what happened on October 7th was truly horrific.”
Protesters in Gaza have previously disrupted several hearings at the Capitol and appeared at events and speeches featuring President Biden.
Biden signaled some agreement during an event in North Carolina last month, saying the protesters had “a point” and called for more aid to Gaza.
The Biden administration is increasingly concerned about the toll of the six-month war in Gaza, which has left more than 33,000 Palestinians dead. The president has sought to further increase humanitarian aid to the Strip and has appealed to Israel to minimize casualties, but he also continues to send bombs and weapons to Israeli forces.
Biden faces a threat from the left in November’s election, as progressives, young voters and Arab Americans have already filed protest ballots at primary polling stations over the Gaza war.
Austin said at the hearing that Israel must address the escalating humanitarian situation in Gaza in a “meaningful way,” but last week Israeli authorities announced the opening of a new humanitarian border crossing in northern Gaza. He pointed out that progress had been made.
He also said the U.S. military was airlifting aid to the Gaza Strip and was working on building a seaport off the coast of the Strip. Austin added that the pier’s initial operational capacity should be completed by the third weekend in April.
The Pentagon chief stressed that the best way for Israel to ensure peace in the region is to defuse the crisis in Gaza.
“I think if they want to create a lasting effect in terms of stability, they need to do something to help the Palestinian people,” Austin said of Israel.
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