Secretary of State Antony Blinken's concluding press conference descended into turmoil on Thursday as several individuals were ejected, one forcibly, for disrupting the proceedings. The individuals voiced their discontent over the timing of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, accusing Blinken of complicity in "genocide" and labeling him a "criminal."

Writer and activist Sam Husseini was physically removed by security. Reporter Max Blumenthal of Grayzone News, while leaving under escort, loudly questioned Blinken's actions during the conflict, asking why he hadn't stopped the bombing given a purported prior agreement.

Husseini challenged Blinken's pronouncements on press freedom, asserting he was denied the opportunity to pose questions by State Department spokesperson Matt Miller. He further questioned the intent behind a May 31st statement, suggesting it aimed to obstruct International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings.

As Blumenthal was escorted out, he accused Blinken of allowing a "Holocaust of our time." Despite the disruptions, Blinken attempted to regain control, appealing for respect for the process, a plea Husseini rejected, citing international accusations of Israeli genocide and extermination, and questioning Blinken's absence from The Hague.

Three security guards were required to remove Husseini, who clung to a table while protesting his treatment.

The recently negotiated ceasefire, based on a proposal by President Biden in May, involves the United States, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and Hamas. Although requiring full Israeli ratification, the three-phase process is anticipated to begin as early as Sunday, offering the first respite in fighting since a brief truce in November 2023, which quickly collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations.

Blumenthal also challenged Blinken's assertion of addressing "hard questions" over his tenure, pressing him on why bombing continued despite an alleged existing deal, a claim Blumenthal insisted was common knowledge.

A State Department spokesperson reiterated their commitment to press freedom and valued engagement with the press, but emphasized the expectation of professional conduct, adherence to pre-established guidelines, and respect for other attendees during briefings.

In his final address, Blinken defended the administration's approach to the Gaza conflict, acknowledging the humanitarian challenges stemming from Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. He also admitted "real differences with Israel" regarding its defense strategies. However, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan previously denied that events in Gaza constituted genocide.

The ceasefire deal encountered a hurdle with Hamas introducing last-minute demands, and Netanyahu faced internal opposition from far-right elements. Despite this, Netanyahu affirmed on Friday morning that the agreement, pending approval from Israel's security cabinet and government, remained on track for Sunday commencement.