HRW calls on governments to suspend arms sales to Israel

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has decried the Israeli bombing of the Qasmieh bridge, the main access point for civilians in southern Lebanon to food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid.

The Israeli military destroyed the bridge on 16 April, hours before a ceasefire was announced.

"As the deliberate attack destroyed the last main operational crossing for civilians and aid, with the prospect of immense civilian harm, the attack should be investigated as a potential disproportionate attack on civilians, which would be a war crime," HRW said in a statement.

“Governments should signal to Israel that they will not tolerate or risk complicity in war crimes by immediately suspending arms sales.”

During the time of the Israeli military’s attack on Qasmieh bridge, the bridge was the main access point for civilians in southern Lebanon to food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid.

Governments should signal to Israel that they will not tolerate or risk complicity in… pic.twitter.com/mpGc2JAdOV

— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) April 17, 2026