Canadian authorities have launched a confidential war crimes investigation targeting Israeli soldiers with Canadian dual citizenship, over alleged involvement in crimes committed in the Gaza Strip.

According to a report published Tuesday by the Toronto Star, the investigation began in early 2024 but has been carried out with unusual discretion, far from public scrutiny.

Following the article’s release, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that a probe is indeed underway concerning “war crimes related to the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas.” However, the force declined to reveal any further details, including the number of suspects or the precise scope of the investigation.

The secretive nature of the inquiry stands in stark contrast to Canada’s approach in similar cases, such as the war in Ukraine, where the RCMP established hotlines, public appeals, and dedicated platforms to gather evidence and testimonies against suspects with Canadian ties.

This investigation comes amid growing international concern over the conduct of Israeli forces in Gaza, with mounting calls for accountability, particularly for individuals holding foreign citizenship who may be subject to prosecution under international law.