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Anti-war protest hits US Congress hearing as Biden officials seek aid for Israel, Ukraine

Anti-war protesters raise their “bloody” hands behind U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on President Biden’s $106 billion national security supplemental funding request to support Israel and Ukraine, as well as bolster border security, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., October 31, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 

In a congressional hearing marked by interruptions from protesters denouncing U.S. support for Israel and its actions in Gaza, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin appealed to U.S. lawmakers for additional funding for Israel and Ukraine. The hearing centered on President Joe Biden’s request for $106 billion, with a significant portion allocated for these two countries.

Biden’s proposal includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, with half of that amount intended for replenishing depleted weapon stocks in the United States. Additionally, $14.3 billion was earmarked for Israel, while $9 billion was allocated for humanitarian relief, including assistance for both Israel and Gaza. Other funds were designated for U.S. border security and support against China’s regional efforts in Asia.

Protesters disrupted the hearing, emphasizing their concerns about U.S. backing for Israel and its military actions. Despite the interruptions, Blinken and Austin did not directly address the protesters’ comments but later acknowledged the possibility of a humanitarian pause in the conflict.

Blinken stated that Gaza’s future could not be governed by Hamas or Israel, and he expressed hope for an “effective and revitalized Palestinian Authority” to govern the region with temporary support from other countries in the region.

Simultaneously, U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have faced numerous attacks from Iran-backed groups, resulting in U.S. airstrikes on unoccupied arms storage facilities in Syria. However, these strikes failed to deter further attacks, leading Austin to assert that the U.S. would respond if the attacks continued.

Regarding Ukraine, Austin emphasized the importance of U.S. support in countering Russian aggression, stating that without such support, Putin’s actions would be successful. Blinken highlighted the strategic implications of U.S. support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion.

While Biden’s funding plan is supported by many Democrats and some Republicans, divisions exist within the Republican Party, particularly in the House of Representatives. Some Republicans object to combining Ukraine aid with support for Israel, as they question the use of federal funds given the national debt. The path forward for this funding request remains uncertain.

House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a bill to provide aid to Israel by reallocating funding from the Internal Revenue Service, setting the stage for potential disagreements with Democrats. Notably, the House bill does not include humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Biden’s support for Israel, which already receives substantial annual U.S. military assistance, has drawn criticism amid international appeals for the protection of Gaza civilians. The recent Israeli ground offensive in Gaza followed an attack by Hamas militants, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking.

Palestinian authorities have decried Israel’s blockade of Gaza, emphasizing the need for essential supplies, including fuel, food, and clean water. Blinken noted that approximately 400 U.S. citizens and their family members are trapped in Gaza, and the U.S. Department is actively working to find a solution for their departure.

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