JERUSALEM — A former Israeli soldier has been assisted by Israel in departing Brazil after a legal case was initiated against him by a group alleging war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The claims were based on social media posts shared by Israeli soldiers.
On Sunday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced that they facilitated the soldier’s exit from Brazil on a commercial flight following an investigation led by what they described as “anti-Israel elements” last week. The ministry subsequently cautioned Israelis about the potential consequences of sharing details about their military involvement on social media platforms.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, named in memory of a young Palestinian girl who died in Gaza, had filed a complaint prompting Brazilian authorities to investigate the soldier. Their claim was supported by video evidence, geolocation data, and pictures indicating his involvement in the demolition of civilian residences. The foundation referred to this investigation as a significant step towards accountability for the actions carried out in Gaza during the prolonged conflict.
Brazilian media reported over the weekend that an on-call federal judge had ordered the investigation in Brazil’s Federal District, with the initial decision made on December 30. Brazilian authorities have not publicly responded to the matter as of yet.
Israel finds itself facing intense global criticism regarding its military actions against Hamas in Gaza, with the International Criminal Court having issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Additionally, the International Court of Justice is currently looking into allegations of genocide related to the conflict.
This case in Brazil has raised concerns that other ordinary Israeli troops might also find themselves facing legal repercussions while overseas. Israel, however, firmly denies the validity of these international claims, asserting that its military operations in Gaza comply with international law. The country holds Hamas responsible for civilian casualties, claiming the group uses civilian structures for military purposes, thereby necessitating the destruction of such buildings.
Throughout the conflict, numerous videos shared by Israeli soldiers depict them entering homes and demolishing or setting fire to residential properties. Some footage contains racist chants and boasts regarding the destruction of Palestinian areas.
The hostilities commenced when Hamas militants invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, many of whom were civilians, alongside the abduction of around 250 people, of which around 100 remain unaccounted for, with at least a third assumed to be deceased.
According to local health officials, Israeli offensives have resulted in the deaths of more than 45,800 Palestinians in Gaza. Officials state that women and children comprise over half of those deceased, though they do not differentiate between combatants and non-combatants. Israel claims that over 17,000 militants have been killed, albeit without substantiating evidence.
In recent military actions, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of five individuals in the Nuseirat refugee camp, four in Khan Younis, and three in the Bureij refugee camp, as reported by health workers. The Gaza Health Ministry further stated that at least 88 fatalities occurred within a 24-hour period.
The Israeli military confirmed striking a Hamas command center located in Khan Younis and targeting an Islamic Jihad fighter in Deir al-Balah. The ongoing conflict has led to extensive destruction within Gaza, displacing approximately 90% of the 2.3 million residents, with many forced to relocate multiple times.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Israeli forces also fatally shot a member of the Palestinian security services, labeling him as a wanted militant. On Sunday, Israel’s Border Police disclosed that they conducted an operation in the village of Meithaloun to apprehend Hassan Rabaiya. During the operation, he was killed in a shootout while allegedly attempting to flee. Footage from police helmet cameras was released, illustrating the destruction of what they labeled an explosives lab in his residence.
The Palestinian security forces recognized Rabaiya as a first lieutenant within its Preventive Security branch, asserting he was killed while fulfilling his national duties. Meithaloun is located near Jenin, an area known for significant violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority has been conducting an unusual crackdown on militants in Jenin, a move that has provoked anger among Palestinians.
Separately, reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry indicated that a 17-year-old male was shot dead by Israeli forces in the Askar refugee camp in Nablus. The military asserted that explosives were thrown at soldiers carrying out operations in the area, leading to their response.
The Palestinian Authority, recognized internationally, holds limited self-governance in certain parts of the West Bank and collaborates with Israel on security issues. Nevertheless, Israel has consistently accused the authority of inciting violence and providing tacit support to militants, while Palestinian dissenters view it as an ineffective and corrupt entity facilitating the ongoing occupation.
The West Bank has experienced a notable uptick in violence amid the conflict in Gaza. It is significant to note that Israel has occupied both Gaza and the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem, since the 1967 Middle East war, with Palestinians aspiring to establish a state encompassing all three territories.
