Staff Reporter :
The head of Human Rights Watch (HRW), Tirana Hassan, criticized Western governments for continuing to supply weapons to Israel amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, despite evidence of violations of international law.
Speaking in an interview with Reuters on Friday, Hassan argued that countries like the United States, Germany, and Britain, by arming Israel, were essentially empowering belligerents in these conflicts and undermining international accountability.
Hassan stressed that these governments had a significant influence over Israel’s actions and could use that leverage to curb violations of international law by halting arms sales. “If there continues to be military support to the Israeli Defense Force, and they know these weapons are being used in the commission of war crimes, then that should be enough to stop weapons sales and transfers,” she said.
The HRW Executive Director’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in Gaza, where a conflict ignited by Hamas’ attacks on Israel in October 2023 has claimed the lives of tens of thousands, mostly women and children. The United Nations has confirmed nearly 70% of verified fatalities in Gaza are non-combatants. Palestinian authorities estimate that over 43,500 people have died in the ongoing conflict.
Israel has denied accusations of war crimes, maintaining that it acts in self-defense and takes measures to avoid civilian casualties, even as it faces ongoing criticism for its military actions. Despite this, Hassan argued that when rights-abusing states see no repercussions for their actions, they are emboldened to continue violating international norms, exacerbating global instability.
The HRW chief pointed out that by continuing arms sales to Israel, Western governments were sending a troubling message of double standards, particularly when they demand accountability from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. “This contradiction is being exploited by countries like Russia and China to undermine the international system,” Hassan said.
Amid calls for stronger action, the United States imposed a deadline on Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, threatening potential restrictions on military aid if significant changes are not made.
Hassan also discussed the potential consequences of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, expressing concern over his previous tenure and his campaign rhetoric. “There is little assurance of his commitment to international law,” she noted, adding that Trump’s statements regarding mass deportations of immigrants sent a “worrying message” about the U.S.’s approach to human rights.
As the conflict continues to devastate Gaza, HRW and other advocacy groups are urging the international community to take immediate steps to protect civilians and hold all parties accountable for violations of human rights and international law.