AhlulBayt News Agency: Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, has accused the US Congress of funding bombs that kill children in Gaza. He made the remarks on Wednesday during a protest at a Senate health committee hearing, where he was arrested for opposing US support for Israel’s war on Gaza.
Capitol Hill police forcibly removed Cohen and other protesters from the room. A police officer grabbed Cohen by the arm, nearly knocking the 74-year-old off balance before escorting him out.
During the hearing, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert J. Kennedy Jr. appeared visibly alarmed as shouting erupted shortly after he testified about the agency’s 2026 budget under President Donald Trump’s administration.
As Cohen was led away, a woman asked why he was being arrested. He responded, “Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US.” He further called on lawmakers to allow food into Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need to feed starving children.
On Thursday, Cohen reiterated his stance in a post on X, stating that he could not call himself an American without taking action. He condemned the US government’s role in funding destruction in Gaza, describing it as an attack on justice and common decency.
The Israeli military resumed bombardment of Gaza on March 18, breaking a two-month ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Since October 7, 2023, more than 53,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed in Israeli attacks.
Israel has blocked the entry of food, water, and humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2, leading to famine-like conditions. Hamas has accused Israel of enforcing a complete blockade for over seventy consecutive days, restricting access to essential supplies.
The resistance movement condemned Israel for using starvation as a weapon against more than two million people in Gaza, calling it a violation of international law.
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