Two US military airmen are seeking to become conscientious objectors over the Gaza war, citing ethical and moral grounds for their decision to no longer serve in the US military. Larry Hebert and Juan Bettancourt have officially requested to leave military service due to Washington’s support for the Israeli military in Gaza, where more than 37,400 Palestinians, including many children and women, have been killed.
Hebert, a senior airman in the US Air Force, stated that there is a long history of conscientious objectors in the US, with previous protests against wars such as Vietnam and Iraq. He expressed his hope that his decision to become a conscientious objector will serve as an example for other active-duty US soldiers.
Speaking for himself and not on behalf of the military, Hebert emphasized that he could not witness the events unfolding in Gaza without taking a stand against them. His decision reflects a growing sentiment among some members of the US military who are questioning their involvement in conflicts that they believe violate their ethical principles.
The request by Hebert and Bettancourt to become conscientious objectors sheds light on the personal struggles faced by individuals serving in the military who are grappling with the moral implications of their actions. As the Gaza war continues to provoke controversy and international outcry, their decision to take a stance against it highlights the complex ethical considerations that military personnel may encounter in times of conflict.
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Video “Two US military airmen seek to become conscientious objectors over Gaza war” was uploaded on 06/23/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English