Former senior editor claims Human Rights Watch (HRW) abandoned professionalism and fairness in its work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
An outgoing senior editor at Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the organization of politicizing its work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Danielle Haas, who worked at HRW for 13 years, claimed that the organization’s anti-Israel bias reached its peak following the Hamas onslaught on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people across southern Israel. In an internal email leaked to The Times of Israel, Haas criticized HRW’s response to the attacks and alleged that the organization had abandoned its duty to stand for the human rights of all.
HRW Denies Connection Between Haas’s Departure and Israel-Palestine Work
HRW responded to Haas’s email by stating that her departure was not related to the organization’s work on Israel-Palestine. They clarified that the decision to remove Haas’s position had been made in September, prior to the October 7 attacks. HRW also defended its reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, asserting that it applies the same standards to its work on this subject as it does to other areas.
Haas Criticizes HRW’s Response to Hamas Attacks
Haas accused HRW of failing to condemn the murder, torture, and kidnapping of Israeli civilians in its initial response to the Hamas attacks. She claimed that HRW’s inclusion of the “context” of “apartheid” and “occupation” before the blood had even dried on bedroom walls demonstrated a long-standing politicization of its Israel-Palestine work.
HRW’s Criticism of Israel’s Treatment of Palestinians
HRW has been highly critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and its occupation of the West Bank. Haas acknowledged that criticism is valid but argued that HRW went beyond valid criticism and violated basic editorial standards related to rigor, balance, and collegiality when it came to Israel.
Haas Raises Concerns of Antisemitism and Mistreatment
Haas, who is Jewish and a dual Israeli national, claimed that she faced mistreatment at HRW due to antisemitism. She alleged that her concerns were acknowledged by a senior manager but no action was taken. Haas also highlighted instances where she faced pushback when she pointed out factual inaccuracies in the Israel-Palestine chapter of HRW’s annual global review of human rights.
HRW’s Reliance on Questionable Sources
Haas criticized HRW’s reliance on death toll figures from the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, arguing that it did not differentiate between terrorists and civilians and included those killed by errant Palestinian rockets. Israel and the US consider the Hamas-run health ministry to be an unreliable source.
Haas Calls for Change Within HRW
Haas concluded her email by challenging HRW to address the longstanding issues infecting its Israel work and the hostile internal climate that the Hamas attacks had brought into sharp relief. She claimed that there were other HRW staff members who shared her concerns but were afraid to speak out.
Conclusion:
The accusations made by outgoing HRW editor Danielle Haas against the organization’s work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have raised questions about its objectivity and professionalism. While HRW denies any connection between Haas’s departure and its Israel-Palestine work, her allegations highlight the need for transparency, rigor, and balance in reporting on such a complex and sensitive issue. As HRW continues its work in the region, it must address these concerns to ensure that its advocacy for human rights remains credible and effective.
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