On May 15, Palestinians mark 77 years since the Nakba, or “catastrophe.” In 1948, more than 750,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes and communities—displaced and dispossessed of their land—following Israel’s declaration of statehood at the end of British mandate rule. Today, Palestinians continue to experience an “ongoing Nakba” marked by systemic restrictions, human rights violations, and no viable path to self-determination. Rep. Rashida Tlaib has introduced a resolution in Congress recognizing the Palestinian Nakba and refugee rights.

Since October 2023, Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians and injured over 118,000, according to the United Nations. This month, repeated reports have surfaced of starvation in Gaza due to the intensification of Israel’s blockade, which has cut off food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. The World Food Program has run out of food, worsening an already dire humanitarian emergency. Israel has been accused at the International Court of Justice of “using food as a weapon.” While the U.S. and Israel have signaled a possible new aid plan, UNICEF has warned it could further harm children and families. An Israeli cabinet member even referred to the war as “Nakba 2023,” without acknowledging the original Nakba of 1948.

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is a direct result of Israel’s ongoing military campaign—which has also extended into the West Bank and across the wider region—and which Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue “with full force.” Both the war and the blockade must end immediately.

Take action: Call or write your elected officials and tell them: The war on Gaza must end—and so must U.S. support for Israel’s inhumane treatment of Palestinians. Demand a real humanitarian response that isn’t controlled by the military or outside contractors and that gets food, water, and medical supplies to people quickly and without delays. The U.S. has the power to act—and lives depend on it.