Human Rights Watch researchers resign after report on Palestinian right of return blocked

Two Human Rights Watch (HRW) researchers, the entirety of the organization's Israel and Palestine team, resigned after HRW leadership blocked the release of a report. The report deemed Israel's denial of Palestinian refugees' right of return a "crime against humanity." The researchers, Omar Shakir and Milena Ansari, cited a break from customary approval processes and a prioritization of political considerations over international law as reasons for their departure. HRW stated that the report required further strengthening of its research and factual basis to meet the organization's standards, leading to a pause in publication. The resignations have sparked controversy within HRW, particularly as a new executive director begins his term. The core disagreement centers around the application of international law to the Palestinian right of return.

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