The Hind Rajab Foundation, based in Belgium, has initiated legal action in Argentina and Chile, calling for the arrest of Israeli soldier Saar Hirshoren for war crimes committed in Gaza. The cases filed in both countries target Hirshoren for his role in the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza as a member of the 749 Combat Engineering Battalion. The foundation has also filed a complaint against the entire battalion with the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The cases are part of a broader effort by the foundation to hold individuals and entities accountable for abuses in the Palestinian enclave.
The Argentine and Chilean prosecutors working with the Hind Rajab Foundation filed the criminal complaint calling for Hirshoren’s arrest based on evidence from his Instagram account showing his involvement in the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Despite Hirshoren’s departure from Argentina, the foundation continues to push for accountability in both countries. The legal actions against Hirshoren and other Israeli soldiers aim to challenge the denial of international law by the Israeli government and seek justice for victims of abuses in Gaza.
The legal actions by the foundation come in response to Amnesty International’s conclusion that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and UN rights experts’ findings on the deadly consequences of the conflict. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. Israel has rejected these warrants, citing compliance with international law. The Hind Rajab Foundation and other advocacy groups believe accountability should extend beyond the Israeli leadership to include individual soldiers responsible for abuses.
The Hind Rajab Foundation has targeted Israeli soldiers, including Hirshoren, who have posted evidence of their involvement in abuses on social media. By focusing on individual soldiers’ actions, the foundation aims to pressure countries to uphold their obligations under international rights treaties and enforce international law. While the ICC has been slow to take action, the foundation hopes to address the deficiency in accountability at the nation-state level. Despite facing challenges in getting countries to respond to its legal actions, the foundation remains committed to seeking justice for victims of abuses in Gaza and holding perpetrators accountable.
The foundation’s efforts have included filing a complaint to the ICC naming 1,000 Israeli soldiers accused of abuses, including dual nationals from various countries. The lack of response from countries where legal action has been taken highlights the challenges in seeking justice for victims of abuses in conflict zones. However, the foundation remains determined to send a message to countries that they cannot allow individuals accused of war crimes to visit or reside within their borders without facing legal consequences. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, the foundation aims to uphold the principles of justice and international law that are embodied in the constitutions of various states.
