Washington, November 1 (RHC)-- Anti-war protesters with their hands covered in red paint symbolizing blood have interrupted a congressional hearing, demanding Washington stop funding Israel's killing of Palestinians under siege in Gaza. 

Protesters repeatedly called for a "ceasefire now!" as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were appealing to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday for billions of dollars more of U.S. taxpayers' money for funding the military forces of Israel, Ukraine and other Washington allies.

They denounced Washington for funding the Israeli regime forces committing genocide against millions of Palestinians in the occupied lands.

Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. 

The protesters who had their hands covered in red paint to show the US government had blood on its hands due to the Gaza genocide stood in the crowd and called for "Ceasefire now!" and "Protect the children of Gaza!"

One protester cited the thousands of Palestinian children killed in Gaza since the brutal Israeli forces launched airstrikes and, recently, a ground offensive.  The anti-war protesters stood up one by one as Blinken wanted to begin his speech before shouting over him again.

The police quickly escorted the protesters out, saying at least 12 people had been arrested.