Protesters interrupted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his speech at an Atlantic Council event, accusing him of bearing responsibility for civilian deaths in Gaza. The chants disrupted his remarks, underscoring growing international criticism of US policies in the region.
Blinken expressed gratitude for President Joe Biden's swift efforts to prevent the escalation of the Middle East conflict. He acknowledged that civilians in Gaza are innocent victims of a conflict beyond their control.
Efforts Toward Ceasefire in Gaza
Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages. He expressed hope that an agreement could be reached soon, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Support for Ukraine and Transition to Future Administration
Addressing broader global challenges, Blinken highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts to prepare for a seamless transition to the next US administration, ensuring robust strategies for global issues like the conflict in Ukraine.
Blinken noted that the US has provided $102 billion in aid to Ukraine, with allies and partners contributing $158 billion. He described this as a "remarkable example of burden-sharing" and stressed the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
Focus on Lasting Impact
Concluding his remarks, Blinken emphasized that the Biden administration's goal is to create meaningful change in people’s lives, regardless of which administration takes credit for those achievements.