Washington DC [US]: Protesters on Tuesday (local time) disrupted a Senate hearing led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, vocally opposing Washington’s continued support for Israel amid its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, Anadolu Agency reported.
According to the report, two demonstrators shouted, “Stop the genocide,” during Rubio’s testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees, where he was presenting the proposed 2026 State Department budget. Security officials swiftly removed the protesters from the hearing room.
Outside the Senate Committee building, additional protests were held by activists from the peace and human rights group CODEPINK, who chanted slogans such as “Stop the genocide,” “Sanction Israel,” and “Start feeding the children!”
Senate Committee Chairman Jim Risch had earlier issued a stern warning to avoid disruptions, stating that protesters interrupting official proceedings could face arrest and one-year bans from the Capitol.
The protest reflects growing public backlash against continued US military aid to Israel, especially in light of escalating violence and mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the deaths of nearly 53,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, Anadolu Agency noted. The devastating toll has prompted global calls for an immediate ceasefire.
In response to alleged violations, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Earlier today, Israel approved the entry of 93 additional aid trucks into Gaza, according to Times of Israel, citing both UN and Israeli officials. However, the UN clarified that while aid had entered the region after an 11-week blockade, its distribution remained stalled due to logistical barriers imposed by Israel’s military operations.
The blockade, initiated on March 2, was tied to Israel’s ongoing military campaign named “Gideon’s Chariots”, launched on May 17, aiming to “conquer” Gaza, displace civilians southward, and disrupt Hamas’ control over aid.
During a briefing, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said,
“The first trucks of vital baby food are now inside Gaza after 11 weeks of total blockade, and it is urgent that we get that assistance distributed. We need much, much more to cross.”
He further described the aid as “a drop in the ocean” given the overwhelming scale of the humanitarian crisis.
On Monday, based on recommendations from the IDF, Prime Minister Netanyahu and his cabinet agreed to allow a “basic quantity” of food into Gaza, following mounting international pressure and warnings of famine-level conditions.
In a joint statement, the UK, France, and Canada condemned Israel’s expanded military operations, criticizing the “intolerable” human suffering in Gaza and warning of possible sanctions if Israel does not halt its offensive.