Israeli soldier flees Brazil after court orders war crimes probe
The investigation comes after the Hind Rajab Foundation filed a complaint against the solider, saying he destroyed civilian homes in Gaza.
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Pro-Palestine demonstration against Israel's war on Gaza in Brazil [GETTY]
An Israeli soldier being investigated over alleged war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip has reportedly fled the country, according to Israeli media.
This comes after a Brazilian court on Sunday ordered the police to investigate an Israeli soldier, identified only as 'Y' by Israel’s Channel 12, while on holiday in the country.
The Belgium-based filed a complaint against the soldier, saying he had destroyed civilian homes in Gaza in November as a part of Israel's war on the Palestinian territory.
The foundation condemned the escape, accusing Israel of obstructing justice despite asking for the soldier to be arrested to prevent him from leaving or compromising evidence.
A lawyer from the organisation cited video footage and photos allegedly showing the suspect planting explosives and taking part in destroying homes in Gaza. The Brazilian court received 500 pages of evidence from the organisation.
Y travelled to Brazil as a tourist to celebrate Hanukkah with three friends despite receiving a warning from Israeli foreign ministry employees.
According to Channel 12, he and his girlfriend were at the Nova music festival on the day of the 7 October attacks.
While there are reports an arrest warrant has been issued, KAN said Y’s family said he was not being detained and was receiving help from “relevant actors”.
The Hind Rajab Foundation has also filed similar complaints in other countries, including Brussels and Sri Lanka.
The organisation aims to take legal action against perpetrators of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and human rights violations committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians.
A Chilean pro-Palestine group, AbogadosxPalestina, a group of 620 Chilean lawyers, urged the arrest of Israeli soldier Saar Hirshoren in Patagonia for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide during Israel’s war, Ynet reported.
The news site that the Israeli army warned around 30 soldiers and officers against travelling after pro-Palestine groups filed complaints against them over crimes committed in the Gaza Strip.
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