Watch: Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s final press conference descended into chaos

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s final press conference descended into chaos Thursday as journalists were forcibly removed after accusing him of enabling a "genocide" in Gaza. The heated confrontation came shortly after Blinken announced a tentative Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement set to take effect on Sunday.

 

State Department aides escorted Russia linked Grayzone News journalist Max Blumenthal from the briefing room, while independent journalist Sam Husseini was dragged out by security guards. Both reporters expressed outrage that the Gaza conflict, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and has lasted 15 months, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians, had not been resolved sooner.

 

Video footage posted on X captured the dramatic moments. Husseini shouted, “Criminal! Why aren’t you in The Hague!” as three guards carried him out. He later wrote on his X account, “Tried to ask a series of questions. Was carried out and handcuffed. Completely excessive force.” Husseini’s protests included accusations that Blinken ignored international condemnation of Israel’s actions. “Everybody from Amnesty International to the ICJ [International Court of Justice] is saying that Israel is doing genocide and extermination, and you’re telling me to respect the process?” he exclaimed.

 

Before Husseini’s removal, Blumenthal had interrupted Blinken, asking, “Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May? Why did you allow my friends’ homes in Gaza to be destroyed?” Blinken instructed the journalists to “respect the process” and assured them they would have opportunities to ask questions after his remarks.

 

The ceasefire deal marks a significant step forward, including a 42-day halt to hostilities to allow the evacuation of Israeli and American hostages from Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement's first phase will secure the release of 33 hostages, including seven Americans.

 

Despite the Biden administration's support for Israel, it has firmly denied allegations of genocide. On May 13, 2024, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated at a White House briefing, “We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is a genocide. We have been firmly on record rejecting that proposition.”

 

The volatile press conference underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict and the challenges the U.S. faces in navigating its diplomatic role. As the ceasefire begins, the world will watch closely to see if it leads to lasting peace or further unrest.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-18

 

 

 

[Paul Henry]

Russian journos demonstrating. What did Russia do to help solve the problem.? Go back to Russia and demonstrate and see how you go. No get out of gaol free card there.