Several journalists sharply criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his final press conference, accusing him of supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have been widely condemned as genocidal. The heated exchange came as Blinken attempted to defend his approach to the 15-month war, with interruptions highlighting dissatisfaction over his policies.
The crisis in Gaza has become a defining issue of the outgoing Biden administration’s foreign policy. Despite a ceasefire deal reached on Wednesday between Israel and Hamas, the devastation caused by the conflict remains a focal point of international condemnation.
During the press conference at the State Department, independent journalist Sam Husseini loudly interrupted Blinken, shouting, “Criminal! Why aren’t you in The Hague?”—a reference to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Security personnel eventually escorted Husseini out of the room as he continued to voice his dissent.
Blinken has faced widespread criticism for providing military and diplomatic support to Israel, which has been accused of committing genocide against Palestinians. Reports indicate that Israel’s military invasion of Gaza has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths. The ICC and the World Court have both brought cases against Israel, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. Arrest warrants have reportedly been issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.
Some estimates suggest the true death toll far exceeds official figures. A study published in The Lancet estimates that 186,000 people may have died since the conflict began in October 2023. According to the journal, direct Israeli military action caused at least 64,260 deaths by June 2024, a figure 41% higher than that reported by Palestinian health officials.
The war has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, creating a humanitarian crisis that has drawn global attention. Hunger monitors warn of worsening conditions for those who remain.
As Blinken addressed the press, he urged for calm while delivering his remarks and later fielded questions. He is set to leave office on Monday, ahead of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
