Washington, May 22 (RHC)-- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was repeatedly interrupted by protesters condemning the Washington's policy with regard to Israel and its genocidal war on Gaza as he testified before United States Senate committees.

At the hearing on Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Blinken almost had to jump from his seat as a protester, who approached him from behind, was waving a sign that said "Criminal.”  Security officers quickly tackled the protester and carried her out of the room.

The chairmen of the Senate Foreign Relations and Senate Appropriations committees halted the hearings at least six times while Blinken was delivering his opening statements as demonstrators stood up to shout their opposition to the administration’s position and accused him of being a “war criminal” and being responsible for a “genocide” against the Palestinian people.

Several silent protesters held up their hands, stained with red paint or dye, behind Blinken during his appearances.

Demonstrations against Israel’s war on Gaza have become a common feature of congressional appearances by Biden administration officials.  When Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testified on October 31th about President Joe Biden’s request for security assistance for Ukraine and Israel, protesters repeatedly interrupted them.

Protests in support of Gaza have intensified across the United States, including on college campuses where there have been hundreds of arrests.