The Belgian-based legal organization “Hind Rajab” has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, accusing him of complicity in genocide in Gaza. The complaint, based on the Rome Statute, alleges his role in policies leading to mass displacement, collective punishment, and systematic attacks on Palestinian civilians, as well as incitement to violence and obstruction of justice. It also cites war crimes under Article 8 and crimes against humanity under Article 7, including settlement expansion, military blockade, and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

The complaint, filed ahead of Sa’ar’s planned visit to Brussels on 18 February 2025, calls on Belgian authorities to cooperate with the ICC. “Hind Rajab” has previously submitted evidence against 1,000 Israeli soldiers, many of whom documented their own crimes online. The organization, founded in 2024, has gathered over 8,000 pieces of evidence of Israeli war crimes, according to Middle East Eye. Its founder, Diab Abu Jahjah, stated: “You cannot commit a massacre, film yourself, broadcast it, confess, and then live as if nothing happened.”

Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, sees these legal actions as a crucial step in holding Israeli officials accountable. He believes this growing pressure could reshape Israeli policies. Legal expert Rayed Abu Badweh highlights Europe’s importance in prosecuting war criminals under universal jurisdiction, especially for Israeli officials with dual citizenship.

Concerned by these legal risks, Israeli authorities have advised soldiers to avoid travel, remove incriminating online content, and consult legal teams. Despite these precautions, some soldiers have narrowly escaped arrest. Since the start of the war, numerous Israeli soldiers have publicly documented war crimes, providing key evidence for ongoing legal efforts.