Protests Disrupt UN Security Council Meeting

A meeting of the United Nations Security Council regarding the Middle East was briefly interrupted when two protesters, holding signs, shouted for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The women's protest occurred as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov began his remarks before the 15-member council, following a statement from Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan. Protests are rare inside the United Nations headquarters in New York. Lavrov responded, "I do not understand, speak more clearly. One of you can speak clearly to say what you want to say. I see that you do not want to do this, I see it clearly." Lavrov was chairing the meeting as Russia held the presidency of the Security Council for July. Diplomats in the Security Council reported that the two women, dressed in black, shouted "Free the hostages." A UN official stated that the Security Council asked the women to leave the meeting, and they complied with the request.