Blinken criticises silence over Hamas as pro-Gaza protests spread on college campuses

As protests over Gaza continue to spread on college campuses, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday said that these were the hallmark of American democracy. 

However, he criticised the "silence" over Hamas and its militant activities.

While speaking at a press conference in China, Blinken said that he understood the conflict elicited strong, passionate feelings and assured that the administration was doing all it could to halt the war.

In the latest protests, the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles cancelled its graduation ceremony citing new safety measures as many gathered to protest.

Hundreds of people have been arrested on dozens of campuses where protests have sprung up in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

At Atlanta's Emory University, 28, demonstrators were arrested on Thursday after refusing to leave. 

The latest wave of campus protests began after officials at Columbia University called in police to clear a new protest encampment and over 100 people were arrested. 

Criticising "silence" over Hamas, Blinken said that "It is notable that there is silence about Hamas as if it wasn't even part of the story.