Josephine Guilbeau, a 17-year US Army veteran, led a protest outside the US Capitol on Thursday, alongside fellow veterans, doctors, former officials, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. They demanded an end to US support for Israel, citing a hunger crisis in Gaza caused by an Israeli blockade. The protest included banging empty pots to draw attention to the situation, where over 100 people have reportedly died from starvation, according to UN agencies and local health officials. Protesters held photos of starving Palestinian children to highlight the US role in enabling the crisis through military aid and diplomatic support.

Congresswoman Tlaib criticized a vote by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez against a measure to halt $500m in missile defense aid to Israel, arguing that any aid enables the ongoing violence. Tlaib called for Congress to listen to constituents who oppose the aid. Stacy Gilbert, a former US State Department employee, called the starvation in Gaza a “deliberate” decision by Israel. Nidal Jboor, a physician with Doctors Against Genocide, urged President Trump to end the US support, contrasting it with his past promises to the Arab and Muslim communities.

The US and Israel launched an initiative in May to monopolize aid distribution through GHF, which Palestinians and rights groups describe as a death trap due to Israeli attacks on aid seekers. Despite the ongoing crisis and accusations of genocide by UN experts and rights groups, the US State Department spokesperson expressed continued support for GHF, while an Israeli minister confirmed the deliberate starvation policy. Protesters expressed hope that their actions would pressure US leaders to change their policies.

Impact Statement: The protest highlights growing US public discontent with Israel's actions in Gaza and could influence future US policy regarding aid and military support to Israel.