Protesters calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip caused disruption during Secretary of State Antony Blinken's testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. The Senate hearing, which was reviewing the Biden administration's national security supplemental funding request, was repeatedly interrupted by impassioned shouts from the audience.

The interruptions began when a woman shouted, "People are not animals!" before being escorted out. Another protester cried for an immediate cease-fire. Some demonstrators chose to silently express their views by sitting in the chamber with their hands raised and painted red, symbolizing bloodshed. Signs carried by the protesters called for an end to U.S. funding in Israel and a cease-fire.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin was also subjected to interruptions during his comments.

The protesters responsible for the disruptions were affiliated with CODEPINK, an organization dedicated to peace activism. Among those arrested were Col. Ann Wright, a 29-year U.S. Army veteran and former diplomat, and peace activist David Barrows. The red-painted hands of the silent audience members were intended to convey the symbolization of bloodshed, according to CODEPINK.

According to U.S. Capitol Police, approximately 12 people were arrested for "illegally protesting" inside the Senate office building. CBS News received a news release from CODEPINK regarding the arrests.

Despite the interruptions, Secretary Blinken remained focused on presenting the Biden administration's aid request. The administration is seeking $106 billion in supplemental funding, a portion of which will be allocated to Ukraine and Israel. Blinken emphasized the enduring support this aid would provide to the countries. Specifically, $3.7 billion would be directed towards Israel's security needs, including the enhancement of air and missile defense systems. In total, $14 billion would be allocated to Israel. An additional $50 billion would be used to replenish U.S. military stocks and strengthen the domestic defense industrial base.

Republican lawmakers have pushed for separate funding measures for Israel and Ukraine. On Monday, Congressional Republicans proposed a standalone $14.3 billion plan that would utilize IRS cuts to provide emergency aid to Israel.

Recent weeks have seen growing criticism of the United States' support for Israel amid escalating tensions in the region. Following the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, a violent exchange of missile fire between Israel and Hamas has unfolded, with an ongoing Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Gaza has been under a blockade, severely limiting the entry of essential supplies, although some humanitarian convoys have been allowed access in recent days. The Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas, has reported thousands of deaths, including many children and civilians, leading to renewed backlash against Israel.

In his prepared remarks, Secretary Blinken acknowledged the imperative of minimizing civilian casualties.

"President Biden has made it clear that while Israel has the right and duty to defend itself, the way it exercises that right matters," stated Blinken. "The President and I have emphasized the importance of Israel abiding by the laws of warfare and international humanitarian law, and taking all possible precautions to prevent harm to civilians."