Chaos at Blinken’s Farewell Press Conference as Reporters Protest Gaza Genocide

WASHINGTON D.C. — Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced intense protests Thursday during his final State Department news conference, with two journalists accusing him of enabling a "genocide" in Gaza and demanding accountability. The briefing, initially intended to address a newly brokered Israel-Hamas cease-fire, turned chaotic as security personnel forcibly removed the reporters.

Max Blumenthal of Grayzone News interrupted Blinken early in his remarks, condemning the U.S. government for supporting Israel's military actions. "Why did you keep the bombs flowing when we had a deal in May? Why did you sacrifice the rules-based order on the mantle of your commitment to Zionism?" Blumenthal shouted before being escorted out. He accused Blinken of compromising U.S. policy due to personal ties to pro-Israel lobbying, saying, “How does it feel to have your legacy be genocide?”

Minutes later, independent journalist Sam Husseini erupted with accusations of criminality, demanding to know why Blinken was not being held accountable by the International Criminal Court. “Why aren’t you in The Hague?” Husseini yelled as security guards carried him from the room. He later posted on social media that he had been handcuffed and criticized the excessive use of force against him.

The protests unfolded a day after Qatar announced a three-phase cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to halt more than 15 months of conflict that has killed over 46,000 people since October 2023. The truce, set to begin Sunday, includes provisions for a prisoner exchange, humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Thirty-three hostages, including seven Americans, are expected to be released during the first phase of the agreement.

In his remarks, Blinken called the cease-fire “a critical step toward peace,” emphasizing the Biden administration's efforts to balance support for Israel with concern for Palestinian civilians. However, the protests highlighted sharp criticisms from human rights advocates and journalists over the administration's stance.

The conflict has drawn widespread international condemnation, with groups like Amnesty International and the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of committing war crimes. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity. The ICJ is also reviewing a genocide case against Israel.

Blinken, reflecting on his tenure, expressed regret about ongoing conflicts, including Sudan, but made no direct mention of Gaza in response to the protests. “It is, for me, another real regret that when it comes to Sudan, we haven't been able to get to that day of success,” he said, urging the incoming administration to continue peace efforts.

The Israeli Knesset is set to vote on the cease-fire agreement Friday, with implementation expected the day before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. Additional challenges remain as factions within Israel's government and Hamas negotiate final details.