Human Rights Watch has condemned the United States for its military aid to Israel, asserting that such support could implicate the US in violations of international law. The organization highlights the potential for both joint and individual responsibility for the US military in connection with alleged war crimes committed by Israeli forces during ongoing operations in Gaza.
According to a report released on Tuesday, Sarah Yager, the Washington director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that “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.” Under international humanitarian law, this conflict is categorized as a non-international armed conflict, which is governed by Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. This article prohibits violence against life and person, including murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture.
The implications of US involvement are further clarified by the Draft Articles on State Responsibility for International Wrongful Acts. Article 16 states that a state aiding another in the commission of an internationally wrongful act bears international responsibility if it knows the circumstances surrounding that act and if the act would be deemed wrongful if committed by the aiding state itself.
Human Rights Watch details that prior to Israeli airstrikes on March 18, 2025, officials from the Trump administration were consulted. The organization also noted that US military personnel have provided “actionable intelligence” to Israel, sold weapons, and offered various forms of support. These actions raise serious legal concerns, as they could be interpreted as violations of the Geneva Convention and the Draft Articles.
In a related development, the US Department of State announced sanctions in August targeting members of the International Criminal Court. These sanctions followed arrest warrants issued for Israeli leaders in connection with war crimes allegations in Gaza. The August report titled 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the Department of State, notably reduced references to human rights abuses relating to sexuality, gender, and race, prompting further scrutiny of the US government’s approach to human rights.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the ramifications of US military support for Israel are under increasing examination. Human Rights Watch’s assertions highlight the complex interplay between international law and military assistance, raising important questions about accountability and ethical responsibility in conflict situations.
