An Israeli soldier accused of war crimes has fled Brazil amid an investigation into his actions in Gaza, local media reported Sunday.
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestine advocacy organisation, filed a criminal complaint last week accusing the soldier, who was in Brazil as a tourist, of involvement in the Israeli military’s systematic demolition of civilian homes in Gaza.
On Saturday, a Brazilian court instructed police to investigate the soldier for war crimes.
In a statement, the HRF accused Israel of orchestrating his departure to obstruct justice, adding that "there are also indications that evidence is being destroyed".
The HRF submitted over 500 pages of evidence to the court, including video footage, geolocation data, and photographs that show the suspect planting explosives and participating in the destruction of entire neighbourhoods.
“This individual actively contributed to the destruction of homes and livelihoods, and his own statements and behaviour clearly align with the genocidal objectives in Gaza,” said Maira Pinheiro, the HRF's lawyer.
Palestinian families whose homes were destroyed by the Israeli army have joined the HRF case as plaintiffs.
This case represents the first time a state party to the Rome Statute has independently enforced its provisions without depending on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“This is a historic moment,” said HRF chairman Dyab Abou Jahjah. “It sets a powerful precedent for nations to take bold action in holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable.”
The foundation has submitted similar complaints in other countries, including one against Israel's military attache in Brussels and another involving a soldier travelling in Sri Lanka.
Fears in Israel have been growing that decisions by the ICC could lead to arrests and investigations into war crimes.
Last month, the Israeli military advised dozens of soldiers against travelling abroad after reportedly tracking around 30 war crimes complaints and legal actions targeting its personnel for their roles in operations in Gaza.
Officers and soldiers have also been instructed to remove any photos or videos documenting their involvement in Gaza from social media platforms.
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