Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III faced tough questions from Senator Tom Cotton during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The Pentagon chief stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Israel was carrying out a genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The hearing, which was disrupted by demonstrators protesting U.S. support for Israel’s assault on Hamas, highlighted the deep divide over the issue. More than 33,000 people have died in Israeli bombardments on Gaza, with severe hunger now sweeping through the Palestinian enclave.
South Africa has taken the matter to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The court issued an interim ruling requiring Israel to take actions to prevent acts that are banned under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza argue that the indiscriminate bombings have targeted civilian areas, resulting in the deaths of many women and children. They also accuse Israel of using hunger as a weapon by restricting aid entering Gaza.
On Capitol Hill, protests continued as around 50 people were arrested for briefly shutting down a cafeteria for senators, their aides, and visitors. Protesters, including clergy members and laypeople from various Christian denominations, demanded a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and an end to U.S. arms transfers to Israel.
The demonstration, led by Christians for a Free Palestine, declared that “The Senate and their staffers cannot eat until Gaza eats.” The Capitol Police intervened, blocking off the cafeteria for a short period as it was cleared out. Staff members eventually returned to the cafeteria once it was reopened.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to spark debate and protests, with calls for a peaceful resolution and humanitarian aid for those affected by the violence.
