The Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation announced on Tuesday lodging a historic complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against 1,000 Israeli soldiers, alleging war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Gaza.
The complaint is by far the largest ever submitted to the ICC, and advocates say it is a significant step in documenting Israeli military actions for future accountability.
The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed an International Criminal Court complaint against 1000+ Israeli soldiers for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Says complaint includes 8000+ pieces of evidence demonstrating soldiers' "direct involvement in these atrocities." pic.twitter.com/picUoiVzp4
— Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) October 8, 2024
The foundation maintains that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel named in the complaint participated in systematic attacks against civilians amid the year-long conflict that had resulted in over 150,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread humanitarian crises.
“This complaint is a milestone in documenting Israeli war crimes for future generations,” the Hind Rajab Foundation declared. “We aim to establish a historical record of the perpetrators and their actions to ensure they are held accountable.”
The complaint includes more than 8,000 pieces of evidence—videos, audio recordings, forensic reports, and social media documentation—that allegedly show the identifies soldiers’ direct involvement in the cited atrocities.
Among the serious allegations are claims of destruction of civilian infrastructure, with targeted attacks on homes, hospitals, schools, and other civilian sites.
The foundation has documented instances of soldiers occupying civilian homes and stealing personal belongings, as well as involvement in actions that deprived civilians of essential goods, including food, water, and medical supplies.
The evidence also indicates deliberate attacks on noncombatants, including medical personnel and journalists. The complaint identifies the use of inhumane warfare tactics, including indiscriminate bombing campaigns and starvation tactics, as part of military operations.
The identified soldiers originate from different countries, including at least 12 Americans, 12 French nationals, four Canadians, three British, and two Dutch citizens.
“This complaint represents a significant moment in the fight for justice,” the foundation said. “Their stories will not be forgotten, and their voices will be heard through our persistent legal action.”
The filing coincides with ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s war crimes in Gaza and other regions, particularly as the U.S.-backed ally faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Recently, Israel has intensified its military operations, leading to further regional instability and humanitarian crises.