Thu Jan 16 20:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Blinken Defends Israel Policy Amidst Protests Following Gaza Ceasefire
**Washington, D.C. –** Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict on Thursday, following a ceasefire agreement brokered by President Biden and Qatar. The announcement, hailed by Blinken as a “moment of historic possibility,” was met with immediate protests during his final press conference.
Two individuals disrupted the briefing, accusing Blinken of complicity in Israeli violence against Palestinian civilians. Security personnel removed the protestors. While acknowledging “real differences” with Israel regarding its actions, Blinken stressed that the US had largely addressed these concerns privately to avoid hindering negotiations.
The ceasefire, however, has been met with criticism for not including sufficient pressure on Israel to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s military offensive, triggered by Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced roughly 90% of Gaza’s population. Hundreds of thousands are now facing hunger and disease in makeshift camps.
Blinken, who undertook 12 trips to the Middle East to facilitate a resolution, emphasized the immense effort required to ensure the ceasefire’s success. The deal, announced on Wednesday, is also being claimed by President-elect Donald Trump after his envoy’s involvement in the final negotiations. The implementation of the agreement is expected to begin this weekend.
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