Organization targeting IDF soldiers abroad files another complaint in India
The Hind Rajab Foundation claims an Israeli currently traveling in India was involved in the destruction of civilian property in the Khan Yunis area. Exceptionally, the organization did not release the soldier's name or unit. This is the second such complaint filed in India in less than three months.
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian Belgian organization operating against IDF combat veterans, announced on Wednesday that it has filed another criminal complaint in India against an Israeli national currently vacationing in the country.
The organization alleges that the Israeli is a reservist who, during his service in the Gaza Strip, was involved in the "illegal destruction of civilian property" in the Khan Yunis area. The complaint requests that Indian authorities investigate him on suspicion of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide. At this stage, there is no confirmation that an investigation has been opened.
In an exception to its previous practices, the organization did not reveal the individual's identity, withholding his name, age, initials, military unit, and location within India. No reason was provided for this decision.
As in previous cases, HRF claims that the evidence is based on documentation published by the soldier himself on social media during his service, which the organization argues points to his direct involvement in the destruction of property.
The IDF maintains a General Staff order regarding "soldiers' use of the network space," intended to reduce risks posed by social media activity. Guidelines strictly prohibit publishing content while in uniform or from operational zones that could expose sensitive information or be exploited against soldiers on the international stage.
Founded approximately two years ago, the Hind Rajab Foundation tracks IDF soldiers' social media activity and files complaints during their travels abroad. To date, the organization has filed dozens of complaints in about twenty countries, with proceedings initiated in nations including Peru, Brazil, Romania, and Chile.
Allegations: Destruction in the Khan Yunis area
The current complaint focuses on IDF activity in Abasan al-Saghir, east of Khan Yunis, during March and April 2024. The organization claims to possess satellite imagery and social media footage indicating extensive destruction carried out after IDF forces had already achieved operational control.
Dyab Abou Jahjah, a Lebanon-born Belgian citizen who founded the "March 30th" movement and the HRF, stated: "The suspect and his unit carried out a systematic destruction of homes and agricultural lands in Gaza." He called on Indian authorities to "uphold their international obligations."
Natasha Barak, head of HRF's litigation department, claimed that the destruction in Abasan al-Saghir "was not a byproduct of combat but a deliberate campaign to erase Palestinian life from the Gaza landscape for the purpose of achieving territorial gain."
Second complaint in India in less than three months
This marks the second time in less than three months that the organization has targeted an Israeli traveler in India. In early June, HRF filed a complaint against a reservist from the Combat Engineering Corps who was staying in the Himachal Pradesh region. In both instances, the individuals were located based on content they published themselves on social media.
