Human Rights Watch has condemned the United States for its military aid to Israel amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza, alleging that this support contributes to violations of international law. The organization warns that the US military may share responsibility for war crimes committed by Israeli forces due to its active involvement in military operations.
According to a report released on Tuesday, Sarah Yager, the Washington director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “The direct US participation in military operations with Israeli forces means that as a matter of international law, the United States has been and currently is a party to the armed conflict in Gaza.” The implications of this involvement are significant, as it raises questions regarding the legality of US actions under established international humanitarian law.
Legal Framework and Allegations
The conflict between Israel and Palestine in Gaza is recognized as a non-international armed conflict under international humanitarian law. Article 3 of the Geneva Convention explicitly prohibits acts such as murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture. Furthermore, the Draft Articles on State Responsibility for International Wrongful Acts stipulate that a state providing assistance to another state in the commission of an internationally wrongful act can be held responsible if it has knowledge of the act’s circumstances.
Human Rights Watch highlighted that prior to airstrikes in Gaza on March 18, 2025, the Trump administration was consulted by Israeli officials. The report claims that US military officials have also supplied Israel with “actionable intelligence,” in addition to selling weapons and providing other forms of aid.
The rights organization asserts that these actions violate both the Geneva Convention and the Draft Articles on State Responsibility for International Wrongful Acts.
US Response and Sanctions
In August 2023, the US Department of State announced sanctions targeting members of the International Criminal Court in response to arrest warrants issued for Israeli leaders regarding alleged war crimes in Gaza. This move follows the release of the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which reportedly scaled back references to human rights abuses based on factors such as sexuality, gender, and race.
The criticism from Human Rights Watch emphasizes the potential consequences of US military support and the importance of adhering to international law in times of conflict. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the implications of international involvement remain a crucial area of concern for human rights advocates worldwide.
