In a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, protesters disrupted the proceedings twice, demanding the United States to cease funding Israel and accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Charles Brown were in attendance during the interruptions.

The demonstrators, protesting against the ongoing war in Gaza, entered the hearing room while Austin was delivering his opening remarks on the Pentagon's 2025 budget request. Their actions forced the committee to briefly pause as authorities removed them from the room. Among their chants were pleas to "stop the genocide in Gaza" and appeals to address domestic issues like healthcare and climate change instead of providing aid to Israel.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, reprimanded the protesters for interrupting the hearing, stating that such disruptions were not appropriate. He emphasized the importance of conducting a smooth and uninterrupted hearing.

Israel launched the war in Gaza in response to a Hamas incursion into southern Israel on October 7. The incursion resulted in the killing of approximately 1,200 people, while around 240 individuals were taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group. Presently, it is believed that there are still 100 hostages in their custody.

During the hearing, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) asked Austin if he agreed with the protesters' claim that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. Austin flatly denied the accusation, stating that there is no evidence to support such claims. He did acknowledge the magnitude of the events that transpired on October 7, describing them as "absolutely horrible."

This is not the first time that Gaza protesters have interrupted hearings on Capitol Hill. They have also made their presence known during events and speeches featuring President Biden. Last month, Biden acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters, expressing the need for increased aid to Gaza.

The Biden administration has been growing increasingly worried about the toll the six-month war has taken in Gaza, where over 33,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. President Biden has pushed for more humanitarian aid to be sent to the region and urged Israel to minimize casualties, although weapons and munitions continue to be supplied to Israeli forces.

The upcoming November elections pose a challenge for Biden as he faces opposition from the left due to the Israel-Hamas war. Progressives, young voters, and Arab Americans have already expressed their dissent through protest votes during the primary elections.

Austin acknowledged during the hearing that Israel must address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza in a meaningful way. He mentioned that progress has been made with the recent opening of a new humanitarian border crossing in northern Gaza by Israeli officials. Additionally, the U.S. military has been airdropping aid into Gaza and working towards constructing a maritime port off the coast of the Strip. The initial operational capability of the pier is expected to be completed by the third weekend of April.

Austin emphasized that for Israel to achieve long-lasting stability in the region, it must address the crisis in Gaza and provide assistance to the Palestinian people.