Brazilian Court Orders Investigation Into Israeli Soldier on Vacation, Accused of War Crimes in Gaza by Hind Rajab Foundation

Jan 4, 2025, 11:26 PM

A Brazilian federal court has ordered an urgent investigation into an Israeli soldier accused of war crimes in Gaza, who is currently vacationing in Brazil. The complaint, filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), alleges that the soldier participated in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza as part of a systematic campaign of destruction. The HRF claims that the soldier's actions contributed to imposing unbearable living conditions on Palestinian civilians, constituting genocide and crimes against humanity under international law. The court's decision to investigate is based on Brazil's adherence to the Rome Statute, which allows for universal jurisdiction over such crimes. The HRF has submitted over 500 pages of evidence, including video footage, geolocation data, and photographs, to support their accusations. The soldier, whose identity has not been disclosed, is said to have personally planted explosives and participated in the destruction of residential areas in Gaza.