Human Rights Watch (HRW) released on Tuesday a new report accusing Israel of employing U.S.-made weapons during their military operations in Gaza to target and bomb hundreds of schools there, drawing international condemnation while sparking additional questions regarding foreign-made arms in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
HRW’s report, which draws upon extensive investigations incorporating satellite imagery, eyewitness testimonies, and weapons analysis, asserts that Israel used precision-guided bombs originating in the US to strike educational facilities in Gaza. HRW reports these attacks as having resulted in considerable destruction to these schools – many sheltering children and families – which violate international humanitarian law.
“U.S. weapons used against schools in Gaza is an outrage both to international law and to future generations,” according to Heba Morayef, HRW’s Middle East and North Africa director. These bombings are part of a pattern of attacks against civilian infrastructure during Israeli military operations that constitute violations against the future generations.
The report highlights that Israel has attacked over 200 schools – both primary and secondary education institutions – during their most recent military campaigns in Gaza. Many times, strikes took place when schools were being used as shelters by displaced families after airstrikes destroyed their homes.
Israel has acknowledged conducting airstrikes against Hamas militants in Gaza as part of its military operations against them, yet has always justified these strikes as part of its right to self-defense. Israel claims their airstrikes target Hamas militants and infrastructure such as weapons storage facilities, tunnels, and rocket launching sites; however Human Rights Watch (HRW)’s report suggests otherwise; many attacks against civilian structures including schools appear indiscriminate and may violate international law provisions that prohibit attacks against civilian targets.
HRW also emphasizes the role of U.S. arms supplies in this escalation, noting that many weapons used during attacks came from U.S. aid programs – provided by its government to Israel as part of their longstanding military aid program – while HRW has repeatedly expressed concerns over possible misuse of these arms against civilian infrastructure at risk in conflict zones where civilian infrastructure could be at stake.
Recent findings have reinvigorated calls for the United States to assess its military aid to Israel and ensure weapons aren’t being used against international law. Morayef stated: “The U.S. must accept responsibility for arming a nation which violates international law while causing enormous suffering to civilians.”
Israel has rejected these charges, insisting it takes measures to minimize civilian casualties and alert Gazans before airstrikes take place. Yet, opinions among international experts remain divided regarding Israel’s military tactics and whether they adhere to international humanitarian standards.