Rights groups file war crimes cases in Canada against Olmert, Livni

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
3 Dec 2025 23:55

Human rights groups have come together to file a war crimes complaint over "Israel’s" 2008 Gaza assault and recent crimes in Gaza.

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Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, during an interview for The Associated Press in his office in occupied Yafa, Palestine, Thursday, May 22, 2025 (AP)

Human rights organizations have filed a criminal complaint in Canada against former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni ahead of their scheduled visit to Toronto.

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR), and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) have called on Canadian authorities to open a criminal investigation and issue arrest warrants under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act.

The complaint holds Olmert and Livni responsible for "Israel’s" 2008–2009 aggression on Gaza, known as "Operation Cast Lead." According to the filing, the assault killed over 1,300 Palestinians, including more than 300 children. It also accuses "Israel" of indiscriminate attacks on civilians, use of white phosphorus in populated areas, and destruction of homes, mosques, and medical facilities.

“Universal jurisdiction exists for precisely these moments,” said Henry Off, CLAIHR board member. “We cannot let political power protect those suspected of grave crimes.”

Natacha Bracq, head of litigation at HRF, stated that those who "planned, ordered, and supervised crimes against Palestinians must be held accountable."

The complaint also urges Canadian authorities to question Olmert and Livni in connection with war crimes committed during the ongoing war on Gaza that began in October 2023. The rights groups consider this part of a broader case into "Israel’s" international crimes.

Universal jurisdiction invoked under Canadian law

The legal action is being pursued under Canada’s universal jurisdiction framework, which allows domestic prosecution of individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, regardless of where the crimes occurred.

Similar legal challenges have been brought in Germany, the UK, Belgium, and Switzerland. In 2009, a British court issued an arrest warrant for Livni over her role in "Operation Cast Lead."

Last month, the Hind Rajab Foundation also filed a criminal complaint in Germany against Olmert, urging authorities to open an investigation and issue a warrant for his arrest.

ICC, global courts eye Israeli officials

The move comes amid increasing global scrutiny of Israeli political and military leaders. In 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant, citing their “criminal responsibility” for actions in Gaza.

According to the ICC, both Netanyahu and Gallant bear responsibility for the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare, along with crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

Some European courts are also reportedly reviewing similar complaints, reflecting growing international efforts to hold Israeli officials accountable.

The Canadian complaint, say the three rights organizations, demonstrates a commitment to upholding international law and pursuing justice for the Palestinian people through mechanisms of universal jurisdiction.