Human Rights Watch: U.S. cooperation with Israel in Gaza could lead to prosecution

The organization stated that members of the Israeli military, U.S. intelligence agencies, and American contractors may face legal action over atrocities committed in the Gaza Strip.

HRW stressed that U.S. officials have formally admitted to providing Israel with intelligence to help identify targets in Gaza.

The watchdog further noted that the actions and statements of the Trump administration indicated implicit support for—or participation in—illegal activities by Israel.

According to HRW, U.S. military forces may be held legally accountable for assisting Israeli soldiers who are committing war crimes in Gaza.

Since October 2023, direct U.S. involvement in military operations in Gaza—including intelligence-sharing, coordination, and extensive planning with Israeli forces—has effectively made the United States a party to the conflict.

As a party to the war, American forces could be held jointly responsible for violations of the laws of war committed by Israeli troops, while individual U.S. personnel involved may also face accountability for war crimes.

Sarah Yager, HRW’s Washington Director, stated: “The United States’ direct participation in military operations alongside Israeli forces means that, under international law, the U.S. has been and remains a party to the armed conflict in Gaza. U.S. military and intelligence personnel, as well as contractors assisting Israeli forces engaged in war crimes, could eventually find themselves subject to prosecution for atrocities in Gaza.”