Two active-duty members of the United States Air Force are seeking to leave military service and adopt the status of conscientious objectors due to the US's support for Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Larry Hebert and Juan Bettancourt have expressed their desire to no longer serve in the military, citing the conflict which has resulted in over 37,400 Palestinian deaths, most of whom were children and women.

They have initiated an official process to become conscientious objectors, individuals who refuse military service on ethical or moral grounds.

Hebert, a senior airman, shared with Al Jazeera the long history of US conscientious objectors, including those who opposed the Vietnam and Iraq wars. He aims to raise awareness among active-duty personnel about the option to become conscientious objectors.

“Many service members are not fully aware of what being a conscientious objector means and their rights in regard to it,” he mentioned.

During a leave in April, Hebert protested outside the White House, advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to US weapon shipments to Israel.

Larry Hebert, Sr. Airman, USAF, inspired by Aaron Bushnell, is in his second week of a Fast for Gaza. This week he'll be outside the Capitol, talking with many people and handing out the attached flyer. pic.twitter.com/3JmNavKnnJ

— Veterans For Peace (@VFPNational) April 8, 2024

Hebert recounted an incident in February, where the death of six-year-old Hind Rajab was a pivotal moment for him. Rajab was stranded in a family car that was targeted by Israeli tanks, pleading for help over the phone among her deceased relatives.

“She looked much like my daughter," Hebert mentioned to NBC News, emphasizing that supporting such actions was completely unjustifiable. He also noted his involvement in a US operation to supply weapons to Israel.

Similarly, Airman Juan Bettancourt said he could no longer support the US’s role after observing the news from Gaza.

“I see the mass killing of innocent civilians while the world watches through their smartphones,” Bettancourt told NBC. The air force has processed 36 conscientious objector applications since early 2021, approving 29 of them.

By publicly voicing their objections, Hebert and Bettancourt aim to influence US support for Israel.

The actions of Aaron Bushnell, who self-immolated in February protesting against the Gaza conflict, have also significantly influenced the duo.

The US has been supplying substantial military support, including large bombs, munitions, and intelligence aid to Israel. These weapons have been used in large-scale assaults, resulting in numerous civilian fatalities, including during attacks on UN-run schools sheltering displaced Palestinians.

However, earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the US for “withholding weapons and ammunition to Israel” recently in a video statement.