US Democracy in Action: Blinken Defends Campus Protests Against Israel-Hamas Conflict, Criticizes Hamas' Silence
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described campus protests against Israel's war with Hamas in the United States as a "hallmark of our democracy," despite the use of force by police with chemical irritants and tasers.
Blinken criticized the "silence" regarding Palestinian militant group Hamas during these protests.
Blinken, the US Secretary of State, acknowledged the expressions of views and concerns from citizens during protests, which he considered a sign of a strong country.
However, he criticized the lack of condemnation of Hamas during the protests regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Blinken emphasized that the conflict could have been resolved if Hamas had put down its weapons, stopped hiding behind civilians, and released hostages.
He noted the absence of criticism towards Hamas as noteworthy.