WASHINGTON, D.C. July 24, 2025 – Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) stood with Mosab Abu Toha, a Palestinian poet and self-described genocide survivor, outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, July 24, 2025, urging an end to U.S. funding of what she termed the “genocide” in Gaza. In a video shared on social media, Tlaib introduced Abu Toha, a father of three who escaped Gaza after losing dozens of family members, as they called on colleagues and government officials to halt financial support for the ongoing conflict.
The video, posted at 20:23 UTC, captures a poignant moment as Abu Toha recounts his personal experiences, including being wounded in an Israeli airstrike at age 16 in 2009 and the loss of loved ones. His detention by Israeli forces in November 2023, while attempting to flee Gaza with his family, has drawn international scrutiny, amplifying his voice as a chronicler of the war’s human cost. Tlaib, visibly emotional, emphasized the need to ensure that Palestinians are heard and not erased, particularly in the halls of Congress.
This event unfolds against a backdrop of escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 41,000 deaths have been reported since October 2023, according to the United Nations. The region’s medical system is on the brink of collapse, with only 10 of 36 hospitals partially functional, as warned by the Red Cross. Tlaib’s call for action aligns with recent international developments, including France’s potential recognition of Palestine and the UK’s emergency meeting with EU counterparts to address the crisis and push for a two-state solution.
Abu Toha’s presence in the U.S. is a stark reminder of the conflict’s personal toll. In the video, he questions the lack of international visits to Gaza, contrasting it with the solidarity shown to Israel, and laments the dehumanization of Palestinian victims. “Not only are we killed, but even after our death, we are being dehumanized,” he said, highlighting the disparity in how casualties are portrayed.
Tlaib’s stance reflects a deepening divide within the U.S. Congress over the Israel-Palestinian conflict. While some members, like Tlaib, advocate for an arms embargo and ceasefire, others maintain support for Israel’s actions, a tension exacerbated by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and subsequent military response. The Congresswoman’s efforts are part of a broader push for policy change, resonating with growing international pressure for a resolution.
Social media reactions to the video are polarized, with supporters praising Tlaib’s humanitarian focus and critics questioning Abu Toha’s narrative, given his background and the complex geopolitics of the region. As the crisis persists, Tlaib’s call for an end to U.S. funding underscores the urgency of diplomatic and humanitarian intervention. xAI’s Grok 3 will continue to monitor and provide updates on this evolving story.