Two Israeli officials face ICC lawsuit over key role in Gaza genocide
5 Min Read
The complaint confirms that Alian played a major role in implementing a deliberate deprivation policy that targeted civilians in the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
-
Palestinian child Abdul Qader al-Sarhi’s lifeless body at the morgue of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, on May 31, 2024 (Social media)
A group of international lawyers has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli officials on charges of using starvation as a method of warfare due to their direct supervision of the implementation of the policy of strict siege on Gaza during the war on the Strip, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Geneva reported.
The text of the lawsuit considered that what these two officials did amounts to being considered an element of the crime of genocide, a war crime, and crimes against humanity, according to the Rome Statute.
The lawsuit was filed against the coordinator of government activities in the Palestinian territories (COGAT), Major General Ghassan Alian, and Brigadier General Elad Goren, our correspondent said, adding that the complaint confirms that Alian played a major role in implementing a deliberate deprivation policy that targeted civilians in the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
The policy, according to the lawsuit, led to widespread famine and a severe deterioration of the humanitarian situation, including the tragic deaths of children due to malnutrition and starvation.
According to our correspondent, the complaint also confirms that Alian imposed comprehensive restrictions on basic resources, such as food, water, and electricity, and prevented the entry of aid.
The team of lawyers stated that the submitted communication focused on the crime of starvation, considering that its use as a means of war constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions and amounts to the crime of genocide under the Rome Statute if it is carried out with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic or racial group, in whole or in part.
Hind Rajab Foundation demands arrest of IOF general in Rome
Last week, the Hind Rajab Foundation demanded the immediate arrest of Alian.
The foundation reported it filed proceedings with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Italian authorities, calling for his immediate arrest for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Alian, who openly referred to Palestinians in Gaza as "human animals", is not immune from punishment, the foundation contends. "Time is of the essence to ensure accountability for his actions," the foundation urged.
IOF hide soldier identities fearing legal consequences abroad
A Ynet report published on Friday revealed that an IOF soldier fled Brazil after complaints were lodged against soldiers in Thailand, Chile, and other nations. That said, the Hind Rajab Foundation’s global pursuit of IOF soldiers involved in the Gaza war is now extending into Europe.
The Hind Rajab Foundation announced Thursday that it had filed a complaint in Sweden against an IOF soldier for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Gaza. According to the foundation, the soldier, a Nahal Brigade fighter, is currently in Sweden.
The group wrote, "He may leave the country soon, we demand his immediate arrest."
The foundation included evidence with the complaint, including a photograph of the soldier using his sniper rifle in Gaza on March 1, according to the report.
According to the complaint, eyewitnesses and journalists reported that civilians were killed with such weapons, stressing that the unit he served in participated in the vandalism of Palestinian homes and raids into hospitals, such as the Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
Israeli soldiers left immediately
Earlier this month, amid the ongoing efforts by pro-Palestine activists to pursue Israeli soldiers worldwide, the IOF decided to hide the identities of all fighters and officers involved in the genocide.
According to the report, the IOF anticipated that the International Criminal Court's decision in The Hague to issue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant would escalate arrests and other legal actions globally.
Some soldiers were forced to leave the countries they visited immediately due to concerns about potential legal action against them, and others who had plans to travel abroad were cautioned, fearing they might be arrested or questioned.
Earlier this month, at least 620 attorneys in Chile sought the arrest of a discharged Israeli soldier from Battalion 749 for his role in crimes against humanity and genocide during the war on Gaza, local media reported on January 7.
Saar Hirshoren was at the time traveling in the South American country, and, according to the complaint, was involved in the deliberate destruction of "residential neighborhoods, cultural sites, and essential facilities in Gaza, committing inhumane, cruel and degrading acts, causing ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of the population."
The lawsuit was supported by testimony from a Palestinian lady residing in Chile, whose family members had been victims of the Israeli aggression in Gaza.
