HRW: US Complicit with Israel in War Crimes
Human Rights Watch (HRW) today accused the United States of complicity in Israel's war crimes in the Gaza Strip. HRW argues that Washington's uninterrupted military support allows the continuation of attacks that have already caused tens of thousands of deaths and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
HRW argues that as long as the US continues to provide military assistance to Israel, it will be directly involved in violations of international humanitarian law. The organization's report highlights that since October 07, 2023, when the Hamas group carried out an attack on Israel, the US has significantly increased its military aid to the country.
A Brown University study, cited by HRW, Washington claims that the US supplied at least €17,2 billion worth of weapons to Israel last year.
Military sales included thousands of precision munitions, small-diameter bombs, bunker busters, small arms and other types of lethal equipment, in addition to the approval of a new 7,7 billion euro sale in January of this year.
HRW believes that the United States is aware of the growing evidence of war crimes committed by Israeli forces and, by continuing to supply weapons, is complicit in these actions.
On the day that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Washington, HRW warns that if the new US administration wants to end its complicity in these crimes, it must immediately suspend arms transfers to Israel.
"Trump said the hostilities in Gaza were 'not a US war,' but unless he stops giving military support to Israel, Gaza will also be a Trump war."
Said Bruno Stagno, director of HRW's advocacy unit.
Military support and complicity
US military assistance to Israel isn't just a matter of strategic support; it's directly implicated in war crimes, according to HRW. The organization cites multiple sources demonstrating that US weapons have been used in attacks that have killed and maimed Palestinian civilians, including humanitarian workers.
The International Law Commission, in a 2001 report, had already clarified that a State that significantly assists another State in an internationally wrongful act is also responsible, provided that it has knowledge of the circumstances.
HRW argues that US authorities were fully aware of abuses committed by Israeli forces in Gaza, having received detailed documentation from humanitarian organizations and independent experts.
The International Court of Justice has recognized the plausibility of South Africa's allegations of genocide against Israel, which should have served as a wake-up call to the US administration.
Yet, despite overwhelming evidence of Israel's disregard for the laws of war, Washington continues to supply the country with weapons, ignoring calls from numerous international organizations.
Deprivation and War Crimes
HRW also accuses Israel of crimes against humanity and acts of genocide by intentionally depriving Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip of basic survival needs such as clean water, food and electricity.
In a 184-page report entitled “Extermination and Acts of Genocide: Israel deliberately deprived Palestinians in Gaza of water”, the organization claims that these actions resulted in the deaths of thousands of people from dehydration and disease.
Israeli forces are accused of blocking the entry of essential supplies, crippling water and sanitation infrastructure, and systematically cutting off electricity and fuel supplies. HRW emphasizes that this is not just negligence, but a deliberate policy of deprivation aimed at destroying part of Gaza's population.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes that Israeli authorities not only prevented the entry of humanitarian aid but also attacked medical infrastructure, exacerbating the health crisis in the Palestinian enclave. The decimation of Gaza's health system makes it impossible to adequately track and treat diseases, leading to an even greater number of victims.
Forced Displacement and Ethnic Cleansing
HRW also denounces that although Israel has allowed the return of Palestinians during the current truce, it has systematically promoted a campaign of forced displacement of the Palestinian population, which constitutes a war crime and a form of ethnic cleansing. Since the beginning of the military offensive in Gaza, more than 90% of the population has been forced to flee their homes.
The report further documents that Israeli forces issued withdrawal orders without ensuring the safety of civilians, leading to the deaths of many people along the escape routes and in so-called “safe zones.”
HRW argues that these actions are part of a state policy aimed at reducing the Palestinian presence in Gaza, supported by statements by senior Israeli officials seeking to prevent the return of displaced populations.
The UN and several humanitarian organizations have warned of the risk of widespread famine in Gaza due to the Israeli blockade. However, the US continues to defend military assistance to the country, arguing that Israel has not violated US laws regarding the provision of humanitarian aid.
Conclusion
Human Rights Watch maintains that the United States of America bears direct responsibility for the war crimes committed by Israel by providing continued military support and ignoring calls from the international community to suspend arms assistance.
Despite the evidence presented by various organizations, Washington remains unwavering in its alliance with Israel, committing to further arms sales. HRW calls for the immediate suspension of US military assistance to Israel, the imposition of sanctions against those responsible for the abuses, and reparations for the harm caused to the Palestinian population.
The organization insists that an independent investigation is essential to ensure that crimes committed in Gaza do not go unpunished and that those responsible are brought to justice.
Is Human Rights Watch (HRW) right to accuse the United States of America (USA) of complicity in the war crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
Picture: © 2024 Haitham Imad / EPA
