HRW Exposes Grave Human Rights Violations in Israel-Palestine Conflict
HRW emphasizes the need to end the use of civilians as human shields and underscores the importance of protecting all civilians in accordance with the laws of war
In the midst of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Human Rights Watch (HRW), an internationally recognized non-governmental organization dedicated to monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses worldwide, has shed light on the serious violations of the laws of war and apparent war crimes committed by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups.
HRW has meticulously documented indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, deliberate killings of civilians, hostage-taking, and collective punishment by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups. The organization has further accused the Israeli government of perpetrating crimes against humanity through apartheid and persecution against Palestinians in the occupied territories.
The Israeli government's systematic oppression in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and its inhumane acts aimed at maintaining Jewish-Israeli dominance over Palestinians have been deemed as crimes against humanity. HRW has called for accountability for these crimes and stressed the importance of protecting civilians caught in the conflict.
Human Rights Violations
Moreover, HRW has been critical of the European Union (EU) for failing to acknowledge and condemn collective punishment by Israeli forces in Gaza, a blatant war crime. HRW has also urged the EU to advocate for accountability. Within the framework of international law, HRW emphasizes the need to end the use of civilians as human shields and underscores the importance of protecting all civilians in accordance with the laws of war.
The Israel-Palestine conflict has engendered significant consequences for the Palestinian population. HRW's documentation has exposed the grave violations committed by Israeli forces during hostilities, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The airstrikes launched against Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,100 Palestinians, including older persons and 290 children, with more than 5,000 injured. Reportedly, densely populated areas, markets, hospitals, and residential buildings were deliberately targeted, further damaging 20 United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools.
The Israeli government's policies, aimed at maintaining an illegal occupation, have deprived Palestinians of their right to self-determination. These policies have also resulted in extrajudicial killings, restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly, and the establishment of illegal settlements. In addition, HRW highlights the heavy restrictions imposed by Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on freedom of expression, association, and assembly. Scores of people have been held in arbitrary detention, and many have been subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
Unequal Treatment
The Palestinian population has long endured deliberately unequal treatment, leaving them economically disadvantaged compared to Jewish Israelis. HRW has called for accountability for the crimes committed and emphasized the urgent need to protect the rights and well-being of civilians affected by the conflict.
HRW's critical role in documenting and raising awareness of human rights abuses in the Israel-Palestine conflict cannot be overstated. With a focus on the serious violations of the laws of war and apparent war crimes committed by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups, HRW has sought accountability for these crimes and called for the protection of civilians affected by the conflict. The impact of the Israeli government's actions on the Palestinian population has been devastating, leading to loss of life, displacement, and ongoing human rights violations.