Watch: Joe Biden heckled by pro-Palestine protesters in Ireland; objects thrown at him

Former US President Joe Biden was heckled by pro-Palestinian protesters who threw objects at his motorcade as he left Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, on Tuesday. Biden, 83, was accompanied by former first lady Jill Biden when the incident took place. At least two people were arrested by Irish police following the confrontation. Video footage of the incident showed police officers detaining protesters as the crowd chanted, "Blood, blood, blood on your hands!" Biden was quickly escorted into a waiting vehicle, and his motorcade drove away from the scene. The protesters continued shouting at police officers after the convoy left, chanting, "Shame on you!" Biden made a surprise appearance at Trinity College, where his son, Hunter Biden, was receiving the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse, The Independent reported. As the former president emerged from the building, protesters gathered outside began shouting slogans against him. At least one object was thrown towards his motorcade but was blocked by an umbrella held near Biden.

Why protesters were targeting Biden

Biden faced sustained criticism from progressive Democrats, human rights advocates and pro-Palestinian activists over his administration's support for Israel during the Israel-Hamas war. Critics repeatedly called him "Genocide Joe" over continued US military assistance to Israel. They argued that the weapons and defence funding enabled Israeli forces to kill and displace civilians in the Gaza Strip. However, military experts have also noted that Israel took unprecedented measures to minimise civilian casualties while targeting Hamas militants operating in densely populated urban areas.