Belgium Interrogates Two Israelis at Music Festival Regarding Allegations of Crimes Related to Gaza
Belgian authorities have questioned two individuals associated with the Israeli army while they were attending a music festival in Belgium. This inquiry follows serious allegations of violations of international humanitarian law linked to the ongoing situation in Gaza, as stated by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Brussels. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that an Israeli citizen and a soldier on vacation were interrogated and released shortly thereafter, although there is some discrepancy regarding the identification of the individuals involved. The Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgium-based organization advocating for accountability regarding alleged war crimes, considers this event a significant moment in their mission.
Named after a young Palestinian girl reportedly killed by Israeli fire, the group has actively campaigned for the arrest of Israeli soldiers accused of various war crimes. They have filed numerous complaints across more than ten countries since their inception, and while it’s unclear whether these efforts have resulted in any arrests, they emphasize their commitment to ongoing legal proceedings. Belgian prosecutors initiated the questioning of the soldiers based on legal complaints received from the Hind Rajab Foundation and another rights group. These complaints were processed under a recent change in Belgian law that allows the courts to exercise jurisdiction over acts potentially governed by international treaties, such as the Geneva Conventions.
However, the European Jewish Association has criticized the Belgian authorities for responding to what they claim are politically motivated complaints, asserting that these soldiers were performing their lawful duties. The context of this situation is underscored by the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where the death toll has reportedly exceeded 59,000, with a significant number of casualties being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.