Human Rights Watch declined Aziz Ansari’s offer to donate part of his performance fee from the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, urging performers to advocate for detained dissidents instead. While Ansari and others see the festival as a cultural exchange that could promote liberalization, rights groups emphasize the need to address human rights abuses in the country.
Human Rights Watch cannot accept donations from comedians performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia due to concerns over human rights abuses and the festival's role in whitewashing these issues, despite some comedians' intentions to donate their fees and call for the release of detained activists.
Human Rights Watch declined to accept donations from comedians, including Aziz Ansari, who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, criticizing the festival's association with Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The organization emphasized its independence and called on performers to advocate for the release of detained Saudi activists, while many comedians defended their participation as a way to promote dialogue.
Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of war crimes in Gaza, citing killings near aid sites and deprivation of essentials, amid ongoing conflict and a worsening hunger crisis, with international calls for action and investigations into aid and military conduct.
Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by forcibly displacing nearly 90% of Gaza's population, approximately 1.9 million people, without a valid military justification. The report highlights the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals, and criticizes the Israeli Defense Forces' evacuation orders as flawed and dangerous. The organization calls for an international arms embargo on Israel and an investigation by the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the allegations, stating its actions target Hamas, not civilians.
Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by causing the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, with 1.9 million people affected. The report claims this amounts to "forcible transfer" and potentially "ethnic cleansing," as Israeli evacuation orders have been inconsistent and often unsafe. Israel maintains its actions are lawful and aimed at civilian protection, while HRW argues there is no military justification for the scale of displacement. The situation remains dire, with limited humanitarian aid reaching those in need.
A Human Rights Watch report accuses Israel of committing ethnic cleansing and war crimes in Gaza, citing forced displacement of nearly 2 million Palestinians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. The report highlights Israel's creation of "buffer zones" and "security corridors" as part of a campaign that risks preventing displaced Palestinians from returning home. Despite Israeli claims of minimizing civilian casualties, the report and experts argue that the actions amount to ethnic cleansing, with fears of permanent depopulation and denial of the right to return.
Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity through the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, as detailed in a 154-page report. The report highlights the destruction of homes and infrastructure, leading to the displacement of 1.9 million Palestinians. Israel denies these allegations, asserting its adherence to international law and claiming its military actions are to protect civilians. The report calls for international sanctions and an ICC investigation into the alleged forced displacement.
Human Rights Watch has accused Israeli authorities of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by deliberately causing the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. The report claims that Israel's actions during its military offensive, which displaced 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.2 million residents, amount to "forced displacement" and "ethnic cleansing." Israel denies these allegations, asserting compliance with international law and blaming Hamas for using civilians as human shields. The situation has led to international legal proceedings, including accusations of genocide against Israel.
Human Rights Watch has accused Hamas and four other Palestinian armed groups of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 7 October attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 civilians and the taking of 251 hostages. The report details deliberate attacks on civilians, hostage-taking, and other violations, asserting these actions were premeditated. Hamas has rejected the allegations, calling them biased and demanding an apology. The report does not address alleged violations by Israeli forces in the subsequent conflict.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during their October 7 attack on Israel, including summary killings and sexual violence. Hamas has rejected the report, calling it biased and unprofessional, and demanded its retraction. The HRW report, based on extensive witness interviews and documentation, claims the attacks were coordinated to maximize civilian casualties and hostages. The International Criminal Court has sought arrest warrants for leaders on both sides for various crimes against humanity.
A Human Rights Watch report has found that the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups was a planned, systematic assault against civilians, involving war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, based on extensive interviews, condemned deliberate attacks on civilians, use of human shields, and inhumane treatment. Israel's government reported about 1,200 Israeli deaths, while the Gaza Health Ministry reported over 38,700 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began. The report also highlighted instances of sexual and gender-based violence, though it could not verify allegations of rape.
Human Rights Watch reported that Hamas-led armed groups committed war crimes during the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, including killing civilians, taking hostages, and committing sexual violence. The report found these actions met the criteria for crimes against humanity. HRW called for the release of hostages and adherence to international law by all parties involved.
Human Rights Watch has reported that Hamas-led armed groups committed numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel, including summary killings and hostage-taking. The report calls for the urgent release of civilian hostages and accountability for those responsible. The attacks targeted civilians and were highly coordinated, resulting in significant casualties and ongoing humanitarian crises. The report also highlights the need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law to end the cycle of violence.
A Human Rights Watch report states that at least five armed Palestinian groups committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during an attack on Israeli border communities near the Gaza Strip on October 7, contradicting Hamas' claims that their combatants were instructed not to harm civilians.
