Belgian Pro-Palestinian Group Files New War Crimes Complaint Against Israeli Soldier in India
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a Belgian pro-Palestinian organization targeting Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers abroad, has filed another criminal complaint in India against an Israeli reservist currently on leave in the country. The soldier, who served in the Combat Engineering Battalion 749, is accused by HRF of involvement in "illegal destruction of civilian property" during IDF operations in Khan Yunis, Gaza, in March and April 2024. The complaint urges Indian authorities to investigate him for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Unlike previous complaints, HRF did not disclose the soldier’s identity or location in India, nor did it explain the decision to withhold these details.
HRF claims its evidence includes satellite images, social media videos, and open-source information, some of which reportedly originate from the soldier’s own posts during his Gaza service. The organization argues the destruction occurred after Israeli forces had operational control of the area, not during active combat, suggesting a deliberate campaign to erase Palestinian life and gain territorial advantage. HRF founder Diab Abu Jahjah, a Lebanese-born Belgian citizen, stated the soldier and his unit systematically destroyed homes and farmland in Gaza. Natasha Brak, HRF’s head of litigation, called on Indian authorities to fulfill their international obligations by investigating and prosecuting those responsible.
This is HRF’s second complaint in India within three months. Earlier in June, the group filed a similar complaint against another Israeli reservist in Himachal Pradesh, India, also based on social media content allegedly showing destruction in Gaza. HRF has submitted dozens of complaints in about 20 countries, including Peru, Brazil, Romania, and Chile, some of which have led to legal proceedings. The IDF maintains strict guidelines restricting soldiers’ social media activity to prevent exposure to international legal risks. At this stage, no investigation or legal action has been reported by Indian authorities regarding the latest complaint.