The non-governmental organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused the US and its allies on Thursday of not criticizing the violations of the Israeli army’s operations in the Gaza Strip.

“Washington’s reaction and – with few exceptions – of the European capitals in Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 7 is the silence,” the NGO comments.

“Where is the clear condemnation as the sixteen-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, amounting to collective punishment, a war crime, tightens?”

Where is the “outrage” over statements by Israeli leaders to “blur the capital distinction between civilians and fighters in Gaza” as they “order even more intense bombardment of this densely populated area, turning entire neighborhood blocks into rubble?” the NGO wonders.

“Where are the clear and unmistakable appeals for Israel to abide by international norms in its attack on Gaza, let alone be held accountable?’

According to Human Rights Watch’s commentary, signed by Tom Porteus, deputy program director, international humanitarian law mandates that civilians be protected and is supposed to apply to “all” states.

Mr Porteus referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where he recalled how Western countries had insisted on the importance of upholding the rules of war in their bid to secure international support for Kiev and isolate Moscow.

“Hypocrisy and both measures and standards of Western states is blatant and obvious,” according to his comment.

He insisted that this risks undermining the hard work of humanitarian and human rights organizations, as well as some countries, “to strengthen and standardize the rules for the protection of civilians” in wars around the world.