Activist Groups File International Complaint Against U.S. Government Over Gaza War Role
Coalition of 3,000 taxpayers backs legal action alleging American complicity in genocide.
A coalition of activist organizations and taxpayers will announce Thursday that they have filed an international legal complaint against the U.S. government, alleging American participation in what they characterize as genocide in Gaza. The complaint, filed with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, represents the first legal action of its kind directly targeting the U.S. government's role in the ongoing conflict, according to organizers who plan to reveal details at a press conference in Lower Manhattan.
Taxpayers Against Genocide (TAG) and the National Lawyers Guild International Committee are spearheading the legal action, which they describe as backed by more than 3,000 taxpayers nationwide. The groups plan to hold their announcement at Foley Square at noon on Thursday, followed by a march to the Irish Hunger Memorial Park.
Historic Legal Challenge Takes Aim at Multiple Administrations
The complaint filed with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights — the official human rights body for the Western Hemisphere, established by the Organization of American States — targets both the Biden and Trump administrations, as well as Congress, for their roles in the Gaza conflict. According to the media advisory, this represents "the only legal complaint in the world that directly takes on the US government" for its alleged participation in genocide.
The legal action comes amid intensifying scrutiny of U.S. military aid to Israel and American diplomatic support for Israeli operations in Gaza. The filing of the complaint with an international body reflects activists' belief that domestic legal avenues have proven insufficient to address their concerns about American complicity in the conflict.
Huwaida Arraf, lead counsel and co-founder of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, will serve as the primary attorney presenting the case. She will be joined by co-counsel Maria Kari, who serves as executive director of Project TAHA and is a member of legal teams for other high-profile cases involving Palestinian rights.
Personal Testimonies of Loss and Trauma
The press conference will feature Palestinian-American petitioners who have experienced devastating personal losses during the Gaza conflict. Among those scheduled to speak are Monadel Herzollah, a Palestinian-American activist and co-founder of the US Palestinian Community Network, who, according to organizers, has lost 44 family members in the conflict. Hadil El Wahidy, described as a Palestinian-American business owner and community leader, has reportedly lost more than 100 family members.
Susan Abulhawa, a Palestinian-American human rights activist and bestselling author with what organizers describe as "eyewitness experience in Gaza," will also participate in the announcement. These personal testimonies are expected to provide emotional weight to the legal arguments being presented.
"This is the only legal complaint in the world that directly takes on the US government– including the Biden and Trump Administrations, and Congress– for its role in the genocide." — Taxpayers Against Genocide organizers
Broad Coalition of Support
The complaint has garnered endorsements from a diverse array of organizations spanning different political and religious communities. Supporting groups include the Palestinian Youth Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, American Muslims for Palestine, Global Exchange, and CODEPINK. The coalition also includes prominent individuals such as Dr. Cornel West and Mahmoud Khalil.
The press conference will feature speakers from major civil society organizations, including Dr. Jill Stein, former Green Party presidential candidate; Jacqueline Luqman, chair of the Coordinating Committee for Black Alliance for Peace; and Afaf Nasher, executive director of CAIR-NY. Representatives from American Muslims for Palestine's New Jersey chapter and Global Exchange are also scheduled to speak.
Whistleblower Testimony Expected
Anthony Aguilar, described as a retired U.S. Green Beret and former contractor in Gaza, is expected to provide what organizers call "whistleblower" testimony about his experiences. The advisory describes Aguilar as an eyewitness to what the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation characterized as "death traps," though specific details of his testimony have not been disclosed.
The inclusion of a former U.S. military contractor adds a unique dimension to the legal complaint, potentially providing an insider perspective on American operations and policies in the region.
Legal and Political Context
The timing of this legal action coincides with ongoing international legal proceedings related to the Gaza conflict, including cases at the International Court of Justice. However, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights represents a different legal avenue, focusing specifically on human rights violations within the Western Hemisphere.
The complaint also comes as the U.S. continues to provide substantial military aid to Israel while facing increasing domestic and international pressure over civilian casualties in Gaza. Recent polling has shown growing American concern about U.S. involvement in the conflict, particularly among younger voters and progressive constituencies.
Uncertain Legal Prospects
While the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights can issue recommendations and findings, it lacks enforcement powers against member states, such as the United States. However, advocates hope that formal recognition of their allegations could increase diplomatic pressure and provide ammunition for domestic political campaigns seeking to change U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza.
The planned march following Thursday's press conference will target corporations that activists allege profit from the conflict, suggesting that the legal action represents just one component of a broader campaign to pressure American institutions over Gaza policy. As this unprecedented legal challenge moves forward, it will test both the limits of international human rights law and the resilience of longstanding U.S.-Israel relations amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza.