Human Rights Group Files War Crimes Complaint Against IDF Soldier in Italy
The Hind Rajab Foundation, a human rights organization, has filed a criminal complaint in Italy against an Israeli soldier, Yonatan Shalev, who is vacationing in Tuscany. The foundation accuses Shalev of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide during Israel's war on Gaza.
The complaint, submitted on Monday, urges Italian authorities to launch an immediate investigation into Shalev's alleged role in military operations in Gaza. According to the foundation, Shalev served in the "Taikan" company of the Givati Brigade, under the 401st Armored Brigade, and is currently on leave in Italy.
The Hind Rajab Foundation alleges that Shalev participated in the siege and destruction of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood during March and April 2024. They also accuse him of involvement in the burning of the Hajj Hamdi Harzallah mosque in Gaza City's Nasr neighborhood in late December 2023, citing photos of soldiers from his company smiling inside the burning building. The foundation stated the mosque was not occupied by Palestinian forces at the time and its destruction may constitute an unlawful targeting of a protected place of worship.
Further accusations include Shalev's alleged participation in the destruction of Palestine Square, a major commercial center in Rimal, after Israeli forces took control on December 5, 2023. The foundation noted it has previously filed complaints in Italy against Israeli soldiers for alleged war crimes but claims Italian authorities have not taken action, violating their legal obligations under the Geneva Conventions and the Genocide Convention.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, established in Brussels in February 2024, aims to pursue legal action against Israeli officials and military personnel globally. This complaint comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction.
